The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast

So, You Want a Job in the Fly-Fishing Industry? With Kirk Deeter Oct 28, 2024

I get regular questions from people about getting a job in the fly-fishing industry, both in the podcast mailbox and in person at shows and store visits. It's a tough question and I don't have all the answers so I called upon my buddy Kirk Deeter [35:04], who as founding publisher of Angling Trade magazine and currently editor of Trout magazine, along with many other jobs in the industry, is the consummate fly-fishing insider. He talks about the joys and the pitfalls of looking for a job in this tiny niche. I think he has some great tips to share, whether you are a young kid looking for a first job or a seasoned veteran of another industry looking for a more rewarding career. In the Fly Box this week, we have some helpful tips, including:

How should I treat CDC feathers I got from a friend who hunts waterfowl?
A listener asks why people who write into the Fly Box don't just go out and try the things they are asking about.
A spooky Halloween story from a listener
How do I avoid a size 12 dry fly twisting on a 6X tippet?
What is the best Orvis rod for hopper fishing on western rivers?
Can I keep my fly rods set up all season? Do I need to wax the ferrules?
How can I do a better job of hooking trout on a downstream cast?
Am I missing something by not using tapered leaders when fishing for bass and panfish?
If a 6X leader makes a size 12 fly twist, why don't we just use 1X and 2X leaders on all of our flies, down to a size 24?
How can I get a single nymph down into deep, fast water without using split shot?
Would a longer rod help keep my Clouser Minnows from hitting the rocks behind me on my back cast?
I have a 5-weight rod and want to fish for bass, carp, and suckers. Should I get a 6-weight or a 7-weight rod?

North American and European Fly Tying Cross Pollination, with Barry Ord Clarke Oct 21, 2024

Barry Ord Clarke [50:21] is one of the world's most popular fly tiers, through his books, videos, and web site. Originally from the UK but living in Norway, Barry keeps his pulse on the world of fly tying on both sides of the Atlantic. He discusses the fly patterns developed in North America that Europeans have embraced, and also details the history of some well-known and lesser-known European patterns and techniques that you may not have heard about. It's a good way to get a broad overview of the international fly-tying community. In the Fly Box this week, we have a short interview with bassist Daniel Kimbro [37:18] on a music festival he is organizing for flood relief in East Tennessee, and also some great tips and questions, including:

How do I keep my fly line from wrapping around my rod when I am tying on a new fly?
A listener is looking to add a 7-weight rod for bass fishing and throwing trout streamers and looks for advice.
Can I use a 6-weight sinking or sink-tip line on both my 5-weight and 7-weight rods?
Do you know of any good fly-fishing books for a 6-year-old? And what is the best first saltwater fly-rod fish for kids?
Is there a difference between Zonker strips and Rabbit strips?
Why have I gotten occasional bite-offs from large brown trout?
Do you have any tips for casting wiggle-tails? I have trouble casting them.
Do you think eyes make a difference on pike flies?
Can I legally keep songbird feathers that I find under my bird feeders?
A tip for using toothpicks at the fly-tying bench.
When tying a clinch knot, does it matter if you twist the fly or wind the tag end around the standing part?
Any tips for the bow-and-arrow cast?
How many more casts should you make in a small pocket if you miss a fish?
Would it be unethical to target swarms of trout during spawning season?
A listener gives a tip for tying a clinch knot at the bend of a hook to attach a dropper.
If I move a trout on a streamer but do not connect, does it make sense to come back for that fish later in the day?

Trout, Tarpon, and Other Critters in Costa Rica, with Kevin Jackson Oct 14, 2024

Did you know you can catch trout and tarpon in the same trip, along with exotic jungle species? I didn't either, but Kevin Jackson [42:22] of Fly Fish Costa Rica shares with us the wide variety of fly fishing you can have in this diverse and well-preserved ecosystem. And also the rare wildlife you might see in this country that offers saltwater, jungle, and mountain trout fishing. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and hopefully answers that will help many of you solve the same problems in your fishing, including:

I keep getting accused of "flossing" Pacific salmon when fly fishing for them but I see them aggressively take my flies. What are your thoughts on this?
What purpose does dubbing serve on a dry fly? Does it add buoyancy?
A listener thanks us for the podcast on knots and also on our support of policies to address climate change .
I recently opened a box of my grandfather's tackle from 1944 that includes a bamboo rod, gut leaders, flies, and a silk fly line. Should I use them?
What sort of performance should I expect from the new Orvis Superfine bamboo fly rod?
What impact will the recent disastrous floods in North Carolina have on the future of fly fishing?
I want to purchase a vintage Orvis bamboo fly rod. Would one be a reliable fishing tool?
When I switch dry flies, should I be more concerned with size, pattern, or color?
What can I do to prevent the unnatural curves in saltwater flies after they are used?
My brother and I were using the same streamer in a slow-moving river. I caught a bunch of fish and he didn't but I was casting my streamer at a different angle to the current. Do you think this made the difference?

Backcast: Fishing through climate change, with John Gierach Oct 07, 2024

Tom is on a fishing trip this week. While on this trip he learned his friend and legendary fly-fishing author, John Gierach had passed away at 78. In his honor Tom asked me to post his last intervew with John from May of last year and to share this with all of you:

"John Gierach was one of the finest voices in fly fishing. He passed away suddenly last week. Always humble and kind, his writing never reached into navel gazing but he just told great, honest, and funny stories and like all great writers he never wasted a word. I once had the pleasure of spending a week sharing a cabin with him in Labrador and he was exactly the man in person that he was in his writing. We will all miss him greatly."

Here is the show descrption from May 19, 2023

Our climate is changing, and regardless of whether you think it's human caused or natural it is changing. If you don't believe that you need to get outside more. John Gierach [58:00], thoughtful guy that he is, wanted to tal.k about this subject and how he deals with changes that have happened in his lifetime, and what we can all do to deal with climate change and still enjoy fly fishing, because as he says "we still gotta live" and to some of us fly fishing is life. I

n the Fly Box this week we have lots of questions, many of them quite basic but still fun to answer because you can always give them a new twist.

What is the best rig to catch trout with worms? (I hope he meant worm flies and not real worms)

What can I do to keep my Depth Charge line from tangling?

I am moving to Texas and want one rod for inland bass and one for inshore saltwater. Is there one outfit that can do this?

Am I better off buying one high-end rod or several lower priced rods if I fish in a variety of trout situations?

Can you overline bamboo and fiberglass fly rods?

I have a dog that likes to chase rocks and sticks.

Any tips on how to train a dog to be a good fishing companion?

Is there any way to tell a trout rise from a chub rise?

I am confused by fly line numbers and hook numbers. Can you explain them?

What do fish deep in a lake take my Pat's Rubber Legs fished quickly? What do the fish think it is?

How do you fish your Rabbit's Foot Emerger patterns?

What do I do with my rod when tying on a new fly or landing a fish?

Is there a better knot than a clinch knot for tying on size 18 to 22 flies?

My welded loop has cuts in it. What can I do to fix that?

What kind of dry/dropper arrangement do you use when there is nothing visibly hatching?

A good tip from a listener on walking the banks of your favorite rivers in low water to get a sense for the bottom structure.

Can you tell the difference between a male and female trout by looking at the anal fin?

Is Fly Fishing Really Good for Your Mental Health? With Melissa Ceren Sep 30, 2024

We keep hearing that fly fishing is good for your mental health. It gets you out in the natural world, involves problem solving, and keeps you active and moving throughout the day (unless you sit in a drift boat watching a bobber). But is it always good for your mind? Are there times when fly fishing can make your mood worse, and are there things you can do to make sure a day on the water is good for you? I discuss this, and play devil's advocate a bit, with Melissa Ceren [35:20], who is both a fly-fishing guide and a licensed therapist. We had a fun conversation and I hope you enjoy it. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions from listeners, including:

If I break a section of a rod, why won't a section from a different rod fit it? Are the diameters different in different types of rods?
Are there benefits to fishing nymphs without an indicator?
When fishing, are you more likely to change the fly size up or down if the one you're using is not working?
Am I missing some flexibility by not carrying two rods when wade fishing?
What is the best way to fish for a trout that lives under a bridge?
When I get a tangled mess I usually cut everything off and re-tie. Should I be carrying a safety pin to untangle my leader?
I am having problems with drag when fishing straight upstream. Do you have any tips to help this?
I keep foul-hooking small brook trout when using a dry dropper. Why does this happen and what can I do to avoid it?
I accidentally dropped my fly box in the river. I don't see any rust on them, but should I throw all of them out?
What is "attitude" when discussing the choice of dry flies?
What is your current recommendation on the noise created by studded boots or metal wading staffs?
I have gone on 8 saltwater fly-fishing trips and have been skunked on 6 of them. It's a combination of bad guides and bad weather. What can I do to avoid this?
What is the best way of getting my fly off a branch if I don't want to wade in and spook the pool?

Secrets to Tying Good Fishing Knots, with Robert Ketley Sep 23, 2024

I have long enjoyed Robert Ketley's [31:06] column in California Fly Fisher magazine because he often delves deeply into aspects of fly fishing that we don't pay much attention to. And he's a tireless researcher. So when I noticed a deep dive he did on fly-fishing knots using a microscope I knew I had to get him on the podcast. You won't learn about which knot is best, but you will learn about why knots hold and why they break, how to tie a knot properly, and what happens when a knot gives way. In the Fly Box this week, we have some unusually good questions, including:

Will the 10-foot 7-weight Helios D rod offer me enough tippet protection when using 5X for steelhead?
My local wild trout stream has almost dried up this year. Where do the fish go, and how long until this stream can recover?
When wading deep, when I pick up the line and cast I notice I make waves in the water. How can I eliminate this?
When swinging wet flies in a tight stream I need to use a roll cast, but how do I make another roll cast after my flies complete their swing?
I see fish on the bottom of a spring creek but I can't catch them using my tight line technique. What do you think I am doing wrong?
I was scolded by an outfitter when I changed direction when fighting a big fish. He said it will wear a hole in their mouth and they will get off. Was I doing it wrong?
Can I go from a 4X leader with a tippet ring to a 7X tippet? Will not having tapered sections in there be bad?
I don't have much finger dexterity and have trouble saving my tippet scraps. Do you have any suggestions?
A listener reminds us that in lakes in Maine that are listed as fly fishing only, it is illegal to troll a fly.
When trolling a fly from my canoe, how can I get my fly deeper?
Which be the best Helios rod for fishing the Henry's Fork?

Who Owns the River, with Beau Beasley Sep 16, 2024

Who owns the banks of a river? Who owns the bottom? Who owns the water that flows through a channel? And what defines whether a river is navigable or not? There are often no easy answer to theses questions, and much of it is determined on a state-by-state basis. Beau Beasley [35:27] has spent years looking at specific cases of access controversies, and some of you may not like what he says because he often comes down on the side of a landowner who prohibits access to a piece of river. But Beau looks at the facts and the law and approaches these issues in an objective manner. It's a fascinating discussion. In the Fly Box this week, we have some comments, a bunch of tips, and some tricky questions, including:

Will I find steelhead in the same places I find resident rainbows?
How much time do you spend swinging a run for steelhead before moving on?
A listener makes a case for the positive cost/benefit ratio of fishing with a guide.
How much can a fly rod bend before breaking?
Do trout seem to have an affinity for one color of nymph over another?
How long does a frightened fish stay spooked? And do hatchery fish differ from wild fish in this respect?
If you use a barbless hook on a two nymph rig and attach the bottom fly to the bend, how do you alleviate the problem of losing the lower fly and tippet?
Do you fish a streamer in the same way you would fish a spinning lure?
How can I get smaller nymphs down into very deep, fast pockets in a river?
What would I consider the best roll-casting rod Orvis makes?
Do you have any tricks for hooking fish on a direct downstream presentation?

Secrets of Late-Season Panfishing, with Bart Lombardo Sep 09, 2024

Panfish are easy to find and catch in the spring and early summer. But later in the season, not so much. Panfish are still around, but we need to look for them in different places and use modified techniques. Bart Lombardo [33:40] is an expert on all things panfish, and he gives us his secrets for finding and catching these delightful fly-rod targets as we approach late summer and fall. In the Fly Box this week, we have a healthy assortment of tips and questions from listeners, including:

A suggestion from a listener on a way to spot small dry flies if you have trouble seeing them on the water
Do you ever fish under bridges? Is it worth it?
When tying in palmered hackle, what is the point in tying hackles in tip-first?
What is your philosophy for selecting a dry fly when using a dry/dropper rig?
I recently caught some nice fish on the edges of strong whirlpools. Have I been missing something, and what suggestions do you have for fishing this kind of water?
If trout aren't actively feeding in higher water temperatures, what difference does it make if we stop fishing at 68 degrees?
I fish two different streams and the fly size recommendations for each one is different. Why such a discrepancy?
What knots do you suggest for tying a 65-pound fluoro shock tippet to a 20-pound class tippet for pike?
Do you think construction a half mile upstream of a spot has scared all the trout away?
Is it OK to move the fly when you mend? Is it OK to mend when fishing a dry fly?
Should you come in from the top of the eye or from the bottom when tying a knot to your fly?
I am only catching smaller smallmouth bass in a spot. How can I find the bigger ones?

What's it like to run a fishing lodge? With Tim and Joanne Linehan Sep 02, 2024

What are the pleasures and pitfalls of running a successful fishing lodge? What's it really like behind the scenes? And how did a couple kids from New Hampshire end up running one of the most successful fishing and hunting lodges in Montana? (Hint—it wasn't due to trust funds or investment banker money). This week I interview Tim and Joanne Linehan [39:39], two of the nicest people on the planet and legends in the fly-fishing industry. Their story is a heartwarming success story of a lifelong partnership in love and life. And in the Fly Box this week we have some great questions and helpful tips, including:

Do you have any tips for fishing really muddy water or is it just not worth it?
Does a fish's sense of smell work better in warm water or cold water?
A great story about a listener breaking off a big rainbow and then coming back later in the day, catching the fish, and getting his fly back.
Any tips on a fly rod for a 6-year-old kid?
I have been nymph fishing with a fluorocarbon leader. Should I switch to a nylon leader when dry-fly fishing?
Do you have any tips for setting the hook when fishing dry flies?
Should I use side pressure when playing Atlantic salmon?
Can I use Water Shed on my floating fly line?
Any tips on catching smallmouth buffalo on a fly?
My line and leader won't go straight at the end of the cast and end up curling in on the cast. Any tips as to why this is happening?
I'm taking my first saltwater fly-fishing trip. Will the Battenkill Disc reel give me enough retrieve speed?

How to Plan a DIY Fishing Trip, with Joe Bibbo Aug 26, 2024

Joe Bibbo [32:10] has a great back story and is a wonderful storyteller himself. He's done a lot of DIY fishing, mainly from his home in the East to the Rocky Mountains and has some great advice on where to go for information as you plan your trip. He also has some wonderful advice on what not to do, based on mistakes he's made over the years. I get many questions from listeners about DIY trips so I am sure this podcast will be a popular one. In the Fly Box this week, I had no phone calls to answer (hint, hint) but some good e-mail questions, including:

I get conflicting advice on how close I can get to fish when tightline nymphing. Can you give me some guidelines on how close I can approach them?
Any tricks for seeing small flies in low light?
I bought some Stimulators and see they have wire wraps on them. Can I fish these as wet flies?
I struggle to get a bite from river smallmouth bass in July and August and I could consistently catch them in spring. Any suggestions?
How can I avoid creek chubs in a small weedy stream when I want to target the larger brown trout?
Would it be a good idea to put a small length of sighter material between my fly line and my leader?
Any tips for solo fishing from a raft?
I have been wading with old neoprene waders and Crocs as wading shoes. Do you think I would benefit from modern waders and wading shoes?
I live in Great Lakes steelhead country but sometimes want to avoid the crowds during the winter and fish for smaller trout in inland streams. Do you have any advice for late fall and winter fishing in these streams?

What fly-fishing's trade association does for conservation, with Lucas Bissett Aug 19, 2024

My guest this week is Lucas Bissett [38:42], executive director the AFFTA, the trade association for the fly-fishing industry. Lucas talks about the support they give to small, grass roots organizations for education and habitat protection—organizations that may not be able to apply for larger grants. One of their current projects, which we discuss in detail, is how ocean fish stocks will be managed due to the changes in migration patterns due to climate change. Lucas tells us that the federal organizations that set regulations for harvest and size lengths are very responsive to public input, so its something for which you can make a difference.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips, including:

I was told the river we fished had lots of 15-inch fish but all we caught were fish up to 12 inches. Could the fish have been in the bottom of deep pools because of the warmer water?

A tip from a listener, one I'm not completely sold on, for putting stick-on strike indicators on top of dry flies when using heavily weighted nymphs on droppers.

How do you fish the famous Woolly Bugger in a small, slow moving, turbid stream?

What two-handed rod should I use for fishing smallmouth bass?

A listener asks for philosophical advice on whether to enjoy fishing for striped bass in Atlantic salmon rivers.

A listener has been enjoying fishing for fallfish as trout streams warm and asks for a podcast on fishing for fallfish

If you are fishing a tandem nymph rig and one fly is not working at all, should you switch out that fly?

Do you change to a different fly line taper as you go up or down in line sizes?

Why is there a cutter on tippet spools? Doesn't everyone carry snips?

Does Tom have a succession plan for the podcast?

Wild and Crazy Stories from an Award-Winning Fly-Fishing Guide, with Chip Swanson Aug 12, 2024

I take guilty pleasure in hearing horror stories from guides about their worst clients or other crazy things that happen on the river. Orvis-Endorsed Guide of the Year for 2019 Chip Swanson [41:00] is a great storyteller and has had some wild and funny incidents on the river over the years. I think everyone will enjoy these stories but just a warning—although not R-rated, some of his stories mention sensitive body parts so if your kids listen to podcasts with you, you may want to preview them first. Nothing very raunchy but you have been warned! Rated PG-13. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips including:

I fish a lake that is stocked with rainbows and has a small tributary stream. Do you think the rainbows will run up into it?
Do you have any tips for being stealthy on a trout stream other than not stepping right into the water?
Can I use a sinking Salmon Poly Leader for trout?
When do you extend the butt section of your leader?
I am using a switch rod for distance in warm water fishing and have tried all kinds of lines but am not happy with my casting. Do you have any tips?
Any tips or tricks on how to travel; with waders and wading boots? I am concerned with my wet wading boots.
Can trout smell us and should I worry about it?
Do Zero-weight fly rods exist and what are they used for?
A tip from a listener about learning to cast at all angles to your body without moving your feet.
I fished a cold Colorado tailwater in the morning and a local angler told me I was on the water too early. Why?
All the hoppers I see have green, brown, or black wings. So why do we put white wings on many of our hopper patterns?

Tricks for Casting Big Flies, with Pete Kutzer Aug 05, 2024

There's no doubt that casting a size 6 weighted streamer is more difficult than a size 14 Parachute Adams. The physics are different, no way around it. But casting guru Pete Kutzer [37:17] has some tricks that he shares to make casting big streamers, nymph rigs, and poppers easier by adjusting your casting motions. This is a frequent question on the Fly Box so I figured there was a need for an entire podcast on the subject. In the Fly Box this week, surprisingly I did not have any questions on casting big flies. But I did have these tips and questions:

I have been looking for brown trout redds on my favorite wild trout stream but have not seen any. When and where do they spawn?
Does it make sense to look at my dry flies from underneath, getting the same view as the fish? I have discovered a way of projecting my flies on the ceiling to look at them.
My fly line lands OK, but my leader and fly curl off to one side and don't go where I want them to. What am I doing wrong?
Why do trout in my river prefer Golden Stonefly nymphs over the bigger Salmonfly patterns?
How do I know where to place studs on my Orvis felt-soled wading boots?
I fish dry droppers on small streams, but in really shallow streams my nymph keeps snagging on the bottom. Do you still fish dry /dropper on very shallow streams?
What is a good foreign language to learn if you travel to fish internationally?
Do trout in cold tailwaters migrate closer to the dam in summer?
I fish a trout stream where the channel was recently put back into an old stream bed. How long will it take for insects and crayfish to repopulate this area?
I kept missing strikes on a weedless Sneaky Pete. Do you think it was the weed guard, or was it just bluegills pecking at my fly?
How do people get their car to the take-out when fishing from a raft?

What Trout Hear and Smell, with Jason Randall Jul 22, 2024

A couple months ago I did a podcast with Jason Randall [36:39] on trout vision, and it was so popular that I asked him to come back on the podcast to do one on a trout's sense of smell and hearing. Can trout hear your metal studs on the bottom when you wade, or the tip of your wading staff? Can they hear you talking? Can they smell your flies, and does it make sense to add scents to your fly? Can they smell hatches coming? I explore these and other topics with one of our foremost experts on what trout perceive in their environment. In the Fly Box this week, we have a great assortment of questions and tips from listeners, including:

What could I tie with size 16 and 18 Keel Hooks?
When working the same pool, should the nymph or streamer angler cover the pool first?
Where should you park when you see a stretch of unposted land?
A listener relates a fun story of his first carp on the fly
What would make me choose the more expensive textured Pro fly line over the Smooth version?
What is your rod, leader, and fly setup when fishing a small stream?
Is there a difference between a dubbing loop and the split thread technique?
Do Recons and Clearwaters go through the same process of improvements that Helios rods do?
I saw a lot of bugs but no trout rising. Do you think they were overwhelmed by too much food?
If trout in the East don't eat adult stoneflies much, why does the Chubby Chernobyl work so well?
I find sunglasses in the evening a hindrance. What should I do to protect my eyes after the sun goes down?

Peacock Bass in South Florida, with Capt. Drew Rodriguez Jul 15, 2024

Captain Drew Rodriguez [27:23] is the only Orvis-endorsed freshwater guide in Florida and specializes in largemouth and peacock bass in the canals near Miami and also the Everglades. In summer, peacocks are his main target as they just love hot weather, the hotter the better. He discusses how to find them, what flies to pick, and what tackle he recommends. They are a year-round target in the Miami area and, according to Captain Drew, a 30-fish day is a slow one. In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and great tips from listeners, including:

Can I fit my fly boxes, lunch, and a raincoat in the standard Orvis Sling Bag?
A tip from a listener on how college fly-fishing clubs can get involved with the Trout Unlimited Five Rivers program
A tip for taking notes on your phone to remind you of podcast questions
A tip for using desiccant packages in your fly boxes
Should I tether myself to my 7-year-old daughter when we are wading together?
A tip from a listener on "urban blue lining".
If I fall in, what steps should I take to dry out my gear?
What would be a recommendation for a basic surf fishing outfit for the East Coast, Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America?
How can I manage the fly line around my feet when it gets stuck on obstructions in the river?
Why don't they make longer fiberglass rods?
If I am catching more whitefish than trout, should I move?
What is the best way to fish nymphs without an indicator?
Is dry fly fishing on a lake better in calm or riffled water?
A hot tip from a regular listener on a great fly pattern

Fly Fishing in Central Park, with Brandon Dale Jul 01, 2024

Brandon Dale [43:32] is a licensed New York State guide who specializes in fishing, of all places, Central Park in the middle of The Big Apple. You may not be interested in fishing for carp in Central Park, but Brandon offers some valuable tips on carp fishing in murky water, and has developed some innovative techniques that all carp fanatics will want to learn. In the Fly Box this week, we have a wide variety of questions and tips from listeners, including:

Any tips on finding places to fly fish close to home?
A tip from a listener on how to get studs in wading boots to mount properly
What about kapok dubbing and wing burners? What are your thoughts on using them?
How can I fish a small mountain stream when it gets murky?
Should I wear my wading jacket inside or outside of my waders?
How should I read the water in rivers for bass?
Is there an advantage to shorter rods when fishing for bass in rivers?
I caught two rainbows that looked exactly the same. Could it have been the same fish?
Do graphite rods get slower over time?
What advice do you have for getting a fly rod for a 5-year-old?
How do fish get rid of flies when you break them off?
I fished a river and all I caught was creek chubs. Is that a good or bad sign, and is it worth going back to that river?
I have problems when I cast bigger flies. What should I do to practice with big flies?
Are prescription progressive polarized glasses worth the extra cost?

Innovative Techniques from UK Stillwater Anglers Jun 24, 2024

I feel that European stillwater anglers are far more sophisticated in their approach to stillwater trout fishing and have studied it in more detail than most North American lake anglers. As a result, they use some techniques that are unlike what you see on most trout lakes and ponds in North America and both the flies and methods they use are worth experimenting with. My guest this week, Chad Critchley [48:21], is a guide and stillwater angler (and a lapsed competition angler) who shares some of these methods with us. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and more:

How should I retrieve Woolly Buggers for bass and panfish?
My knots to my flies are always slipping. What am I doing wrong?
Do you have any tips on fishing larger rivers?
Any reason, when fishing a popper/drop[per rig for bass, that I can't tie my popper on a separate dropper instead of tying to the bend of the popper hook?
If daytime water temperatures are around 70 but night time temperatures when I fish are 65 degrees, do you think it's safe to fish for trout?
Why don't fly anglers use braided line for tippet—it's very supple.
Do you take fly tying materials with you on a fishing trip? How do you decide whether to take them or not?
We saw huge schools of striped bass on a flat but they would not take any fly we presented to them. Do you have any tips?
How do you recommend I clean my polarized sunglasses, and what to you recommend to keep them from fogging up?
What kind of mayfly spinner patterns should I carry in the Northeast?
What is the best way to keep trout hooked when fishing downstream with wet flies?
I am young but I still have trouble seeing small dry flies on the water. What tips do you have for seeing them?

Backcast: 7 Deadly Sins of Nymph Fishing, with Josh Nugent Jun 17, 2024

This episode was originally posted on March 10, 2022.

Josh Nugent of Out Fly Fishing in Calgary has been doing a series of “Seven Deadly Sins” podcasts with me over the past couple of years and this one is chock full of great advice [38:38]. Josh is a very preceptive angler and thinks deeply about how flies behave in the water and how trout react to them, and in the interview we go off on a number of tangents—all interesting and all about nymph fishing—and all of them with great advice on how to make your indicator nymphing game more fun and productive.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great tips and questions from listeners, including:

A terrific tip on why tying tube flies is a great way to get kids started

What kind of other storage systems does Tom use around his roll-top desk?

Where can I learn more about fly fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass?

What do you suggest for preventing cutoffs by chain pickerel?

Can I use sitka or axis deer, antelope, or goat hair for fly tying?

A great tip on replacing wing cases on smaller nymphs with a drop of UV cure resin

Should I use my leader straightener?

Can I do longline French/Spanish nymphing with a two-handed rod?

How can I locate pinhole leaks ion my waders?

How do older series of rods compare to the modern ones? What is better about the more recent models?

I know your higher-end rods are made in Vermont, but where do the components come from?

Why do Americans shoot and kill birds?

What is a good two-line rotation for streamer fishing in Michigan?

I kept my fiberglass rod in a hot car and now I notice it has a kink in it. Could the hot car have been the reason?

The secrets of using the Blue Dot method for urban fly fishing, with Devin Lancaster Jun 10, 2024

Last week we looked at urban fly fishing in the Rockies. This week we venture into the American south with Orvis Atlanta fishing manager Devin Lancaster for an expert look at how to find and catch interesting fly-rod species within your own city limits by using a method he calls Blue Dotting. You'll need to listen to the podcast to find out exactly what that is. In the Fly Box this week, as usual we have some interesting questions and helpful tips, including:

If I am fishing for smallmouth in a river that also hosts trout and the water temperature is 68 degrees, what should I do?
How can I cast to smallmouth in a river where I have almost no back-cast room?
In lakes with multiple species, when fishing from shore should I expect to find different types of fish at different times?
I have difficulty setting the hook on trout with a "trout set" and do better with a strip set. Why is the 'trout set" recommended for trout?
Do you have any tips on fly fishing for walleye?
Why do some nymphs call for a partridge collar and other nymphs use a CDC collar? Is there any difference?
A listener relates that the Ralph Cutter podcast on wading safety literally saved his life.
Are all the new Helios models four times as accurate, or just the 905?
Are there any dry flies tied with cork these days?
How can I get my fly into a deep pool directly below a waterfall?
What do you know about the old PM-10 and T-3 Orvis rods?
Is a double or triple surgeon's loop better than a perfection loop in lighter tippets?
Does hook shank shape affect hooking qualities?
How can I swing wet flies in small streams?
A great tip from a listener on wearing wool socks underneath neo socks when wet wading to avoid sand between your toes.
Is a George Harvey leader the same as a braided leader?

Fly-fishing for alternative species in the Rocky Mountains, with Davis James Jun 03, 2024

It's no secret that the more popular trout rivers in the Rocky Mountains have gotten more crowded in the past few years. Yet there are so many species of fish that are fun with a fly rod, closer to home, and that live in places that are far less crowded. Davis James shares his experience with the "25 On the Fly" event, where anglers in the Front Range try to catch 25 different species of fish on the fly rod in two days (no one has ever done it). He share his tips for what species are available, how to find them, what tackle to use, and what fly patterns to try. We all need to embrace these wonderful fish to have fun closer to home and to take pressure off our more productive trout streams. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including:

What percentage of the time do you use a dry dropper or double dry rig?
What weight fly rod is best for panfish? And what flies should I use?
How do we ensure our fly fishing traditions are passed on to the younger generation?
How can I make my dry dropper rig drift tight to the opposite bank?
Is fly fishing for carp popular in Europe?
How do I organize and carry my wide assortment of trout flies? How does Tom do it?
How can I fish for panfish and largemouth bass in an old gravel pit that drops off steeply?
A great tip from a listener about how to tie a more durable egg pattern
I was fishing a double dry rig for fish rising to small mayflies and my imitation was perfect but I didn't fool as many fish as I should have. What should I have done differently?
I have trouble threading my tippet onto a small dry fly. Can I tie the tippet to the bend of the hook instead?

All About Polarized Sunglasses, with Renato Cappuccitti of Bajio May 28, 2024

I get lots of questions about polarized sunglasses—how are they made, what exactly do they do, glass vs. plastic, what color lens should I pick, and do expensive ones really offer an advantage? And why can't I get clear polarized sunglasses for low light? My guest, Renato Cappuccitti [41:51], is an expert on polarized sunglasses and will answer your questions and mine about one of the most essential pieces of gear. In the Fly Box this week we have some thoughtful and interesting questions and comments, including:

Why can't I get braided leaders any more?
Can I just put a long level tippet on a braided leader?
My brook trout stream does not seem to have any fish larger than five inches. Do you think there are any bigger ones in there?
I was fishing a sulfur hatch and it started raining and the fish turned off completely. Why do you think this happened?
How can I eliminate wind knots when fishing a dropper rig?
My girlfriend has trouble stripping in fish. Do you have any tips for improving her coordination?
What are the pros and cons of furled leaders?
My floating line starts to sink after fishing for a while. Can I apply gel flotant to it?
A listener reminds us that for many balance problems while fishing the best place for help is to find a licensed physical therapist
My fly line broke eight feet from the tip. Can I still use it?
How many leaders should I carry in my leader wallet?
A listener reminds us that too often when wading we worry about dropping our rod or phone in the water at the expense of safety.
An expert on UV cure adhesives gives advice on using the right wavelength of light and the correct amount of time and distance to use the light.
If you have a 9-foot 5-weight and a 10-footer in the Helios models, what reason is there to have a 9-foot, 5-inch model?
How can I avoid putting a set into my bamboo fly rod?
How can I catch brook trout in high water?

How to Fish Delayed Harvest Trout Streams, with Award-Winning Guide Dustin Coffey May 20, 2024

What is a delayed harvest stream and how do the regulations work? Do you use different flies and methods for hatchery fish? How far do hatchery fish move and in which direction? You'll learn the answers to these questions and many more with Dustin Coffey [46:39], the winner of the 2024 Orvis Endorsed Guide of the Year award. In the podcast this week, as usual we have some interesting and thought-provoking questions, including:

Does fly line color matter?
Why don't my subtle baitfish patterns work in Patagonia?
Can I use my big brown trout streamers for Atlantic salmon since they are related to brown trout?
How deep do you insert studs when adding them to felt-soled waders?
How do I get my streamers deeper when fishing for sea-run brook trout in rivers where weighted flies and sinking lines are not allowed?
Is it acceptable if I troll from a kayak for striped bass, and what rod should I use?
A listener writes in to tell us that the orange goo found in some rivers is a natural phenomenon
What do I use for a practice streamer when casting on my lawn?
Does the noise from my wading shoes and wading staff scare trout?
Do trout live in streams with mucky bottoms?
Any other casting methods besides the roll cast I can use on smaller streams?
I fished over some rising trout with my nymph rig and didn't catch them. Should I have switched to a dry fly?
How should I rig for pike?
What are the pros and cons of using an 8 ½ foot rod vs. a 9-foot rod in Colorado tailwaters?
When do you put down your rod and take photos?
How can I get the cement off my hooks when I want to re-use the hooks from beat-up Clouser Minnows?

What's the First Fly to Tie On? With Award-Winning Outfitter Tim West May 13, 2024

Breckenridge Outfitters is this year's winner of the Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year Award and Tim West [44:07] is the glue that holds this fabulous guide service together. In the interview, Tim talks about how to decide which fly to tie on at the beginning of the day, or when you first approach the water. Do you start with a streamer, a nymph, a wet fly, a dry fly, or some combination of them? What clues should you observe to decide which one to try? We have some fascinating questions this week in the fly box, questions I am sure many of you think about yourself, including:

Can you explain the difference between fast, medium, and slow fly rods?
I noticed a bright orange sludge-like material on the bottom of my stream. Should I stay away from this one?
Do you think kayaks spook trout more than belly boats?
After a rod, reel, and line, what piece of gear should I consider next?
When tying to fill a fly box, should I tie one of each pattern or 4 or 5 of the same one?
Is there a disadvantage of using a perfection loop instead of a non-slip mono loop when tying on a streamer?
If I see a heron in a pool in a small stream, should I move on and avoid that pool?
Would it work to have a leader with a very long butt section, a short transition section, and a very long tippet?
Why do trout eat or reject an imitation of a midge pupa in a lake?
Do you think a 5-weight outfit is a good rod for taking to Alaska?
Why don't my marabou flies stay fluffy once they have been used?
A listener tip for tying a dropper to the bend of a hook.

Secrets of Carp Fishing Around Spawning Time, with Rowan Lytle May 06, 2024

Carp are difficult any time but around spawning time they can be extremely frustrating. But they can be caught on a fly. You need to know where to look and which fish to target. Guide Rowan Lytle [44:38] has it dialed in, and if you always wanted to catch a carp on the fly you need to listen to this podcast. Rowan, not yet 30 years old, has already caught 202 different species of fish on a fly rod, and some of them will surprise you. But you'll need to listen to the podcast to find out what they are. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including:

I tip for taming your line and leader when you don't use a hook keeper
How far do I hold my UV lamp form the fly when curing UV epoxy?
What do I do on my local lake when the Power Bait crowd out-fishes me?
How do I catch catfish on a fly rod?
Do you fish different caddis pupa patterns for cased vs. uncased caddis?
How do different holes in a river change throughout the season?
Should I fish dry flies and nymphs in a lake different from the way I fish them in streams?
Do weed guards on flies actually work in thick vegetation?
If we see mayflies about size 12 hatching in our lake, should we use a size 12 nymph or one smaller?
What is the difference between flow, thin, and thick UV resins and when should I use each one?
My size 20 grizzly hackle keeps breaking. Do you have any tips for keeping tension and not breaking the stems?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying a complete outfit vs. separate components?
A tip from a listener on whether to use your wading staff upstream or downstream of your position.
I want to start tying flies. What pattern would you recommend I start with?
What are your favorite bass and bluegill flies?

Are Fly-Fishing Traditions and History Important? with Sarah Foster Apr 29, 2024

My guest this week is Sarah Foster [54:15], executive director of The American Museum of Fly Fishing, on why she thinks learning about the history and traditions surrounding fly fishing are important and add to our enjoyment. She talks about recent exhibits and acquisitions, and what is in store for the future of the museum. It's a must-see for anyone visiting southern Vermont. In the Fly Box this week, we have some especially interesting questions and tips from listeners, including:

Why do I keep getting strikes on nymphs while stripping them upstream like a streamer?
Is the throat of a pool a common place to find trout feeding?
At what temperature does a brown trout start to actively feed?
When I see a pod of rising trout, why can I only fool one fish even though the other ones continue to feed?
How do older Orvis bamboo fly rods compare to contemporary models?
I found eggs in holdover brown trout in the spring. Were these fish that never found a mate?
I have trouble with rabbit's foot hair coming loose on my flies. How do I secure it better?
If you only had one line for striped bass from shore, what line would you choose?
How much time before the incoming or outgoing tide should I fish for striped bass?
Can you explain exactly what a shock tippet is?
What is your "last fly" during the evening hatch when it gets tough to see?
Do polarized sunglasses lose their effectiveness over time?
A listener gives a tip for an easier way to tie a surgeon's knot
A listener gives a caution about fishing below sewage treatment plants after a major flood event
My 70-denier thread keeps breaking. What could be the problem?
What feathers from a chicken are useful in fly tying?
I fish a 6-weight rod and want a different rod for smaller streams. What should I pick?
I always use a wading staff. Is the metal tip on the staff an alarm clock for trout, and have you ever put on a rubber tip to prevent this?

How to Test and Keep Your Balance When Wading, with Scott Ducharme Apr 22, 2024

Scott [41:18] is an assistant professor of motor control and learning at Long Beach University, as well as a fly fisher and podcast listener. He has a small number of quick tests you can do at home to check your balance, and then simple exercises you can do at home without any special equipment to improve your balance in a matter of weeks. Wading safely and comfortably on a river involves both balance and confidence, and what you learn here will give you help with both. You'll enjoy your time on the water more. In the Fly Box this week we have so many great tips from listeners that I may be able to retire and turn the podcast over to you. But we also have some interesting questions that I'm happy to answer as best I can. Some of these include:

A listener suggests when a self-inflating PFD may be a good option
Two listeners weigh in on how to access scientific articles on fisheries science with paying a fee for access
A listener offers a great suggestion on how to easily attach a dropper to the bend of a hook.
Should I be concerned about fishing below a sewage treatment outlet?
A listener tells a great tale of his momentous catch on one of the new Helios rods
Should I be concerned about angling for fish when they are on their spawning run?
With the new Helios rods, do you still prefer the F version for trout and the D version for salt water?
If I dispose of the shiners I catch will it help the local trout population?
What do you think of using an indicator with a big nymph or crayfish fly for early season smallmouth?
Can you explain the difference between a shooting head and a sink-tip line?
A listener gives some expert advice on the choice of insect repellents
I am having trouble with short roll casts. Do you think it's my casting technique?
Is it helpful to pre-treat dry flies right after you tie them?
If I fish an indicator and split shot and a nymph, should I use a double taper or weight-forward line?

This Podcast May Save Your Life, with Ralph Cutter Apr 15, 2024

Ralph Cutter [36:53] is an extremely perceptive, pragmatic angler with a lifetime of experience in white water, both fishing and in watercraft and water rescues. He feels that what we’ve been taught to do if we fall in wearing waders is all wrong, and he has a number of tips for getting to shore safely that most of us don’t know about. He also recommends a second wader belt for wading in very tricky waters. He’s proven this through countless experiments on the water. If you spend any time at all wading in rivers, you must listen to this podcast—or you can read an article in Fly Fisherman magazine he wrote a number of years ago through this link: How to Wade Safely and Get Out of Dangerous Situations - Fly Fisherman

In the Fly Box this week, we have questions that range from the very basic to more advanced, and tips from listeners as well, including:

Why do my CDC dry flies sink like a rock?
I am not feeling strikes when I am nymph fishing. Are there improvements I can make to feel more fish?
Would a longer rod help more in nymph fishing?
Why aren’t knotless leaders marked with a small segment of color so that the butt, tippet, and transition sections are clearly demarcated?
A listener clarifies the issue of whether northern strain brook trout were ever stocked in the southern Appalachians
If I want to fish pools that are 8-10 feet deep with a Euro rig, do I need an 8-10-foot tippet?
What do I do if I am fishing a dropper rig and my upper dropper tippet breaks off or gets too short? Do I need to tie another surgeon’s knot?
If I am fishing straight upstream, do I need to mend my line?
If my hook bends after removing it from a snag and I bend it back into place, will that weaken the hook?
I have trouble tying a dropper onto the bend of a hook. I lose tension and pressure before cinching the knot down. Do you have any tips to help this?
The water temperature was in the 40s and there was a mayfly hatch, but I only caught fish on nymphs and nothing was rising. Why did this happen?
Does choosing a fly rod really depend mostly on the size flies you’re throwing? When I fish a small bass fly, I don’t want to try to land a bass on my 3-weight.

How to Preserve Native Trout Species, with Ted Williams Apr 08, 2024

The use of the natural toxin rotenone to remove invasive, non-native species of trout to protect native species is a controversial topic. Does it really work? What does the poison do to the insect, mammal, and bird populations? Ted Williams [52:36], a proponent of these tactics in selected waters, discusses where reclaiming populations has been successful and also places where it would not make sense. Ted is one of the foremost environmental writers of our time and is never afraid to stick his neck out, so you may agree with what he says or you may not, but you’ll learn some important biology in the process.

In the Fly Box this week, we have a host of interesting questions and some great tips from listeners, including:

A plug for Trout Unlimited’s “Trout in the Classroom” projects
What is your favorite rod for small streams, what size flies do you use, and where do I find the biggest trout in small streams?
Can I use nymphs in small streams? They have not worked for me.
How do you test water temperature? Do you need to suspend the thermometer deep in the water?
How can I catch walleye on my fly rod?
At what water temperature should I fish for bass?
How long do you stick with one fly before changing it, and what do you look for in new water?
Have you found any difference between painted and unpainted flies on streamers?
I want to do some writing about fly fishing. How do you handle criticism when you do this?
What is the best practice for tipping guides?
Do you recommend studs for rubber-soled waders, and how often can you remove them and then put them back?
On cloudy days I can’t see as much with my polarized glasses? What should I do?
How long does it take for trout to get back into their normal positions after a flood?
Should you present streamers differently in the early season than you would later in the spring?
The dry fly on my dry/dropper rig keeps twisting. What can I do to avoid this?
How do you get your fly to fish in deep water running along the bottom?
I keep breaking my tippet where it connects to my tippet ring even though I am using a lighter tippet to my flies. What can I do?

Tips for Early Season Trout-Fishing Success, with BJ Gerhart Apr 01, 2024

This week, my guest is guide BJ Gerhart [33:50], a longtime veteran guide at Three Rivers Ranch in Idaho and one of the savviest anglers I know. He shares his tips for getting around the common problems of early season trout fishing, mainly cold water and high flows.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some helpful tips from listeners, and some interesting questions for Tom, including:

If adult trout can’t see UV light, as you said in last week’s podcast, what should I do with all the UV and flashy materials I have in my fly-tying collection?
What kind of standard trout flies are closest to the kebari flies used in tenkara fishing?
When fishing a dry dropper, all the trout took my dry fly yet when I removed the nymph I stopped getting strikes. What caused this?
Why are beads on nymphs usually gold?
Why is my casting worse when I use beadhead flies?
What are the main differences between the 9-foot and the 8-foot, 5-inch Helios rods for a 10-weight line?
Why is fly fishing for salmon in Great Lakes streams not as popular as steelhead fishing?
When choosing a fly line for a two-handed rod, should I add the grain weight of the sinking head to the grain weight of the Skagit head?
A great tip for wading safety with a buddy
A listener raves about the Orvis rod repair team
Do you think I should stop trout fishing at 60 degrees just to be safe?
Are there public resources I can use to find out if a river might be too high to fish?
A listener gives a tip for adding a long mono rig easily without the need to tie a clinch knot to the permanent loop in a fly line.

How Trout See, with Jason Randall Mar 25, 2024

Can trout see color? Can they see UV light? How does a trout's window on the outside world affect how they feed and how they notice predators like us? How can a trout see so well at night and also in bright light when they have no eyelids, and their pupils don't constrict? Jason Randall [31:10] is an experienced fly fisher and scientist, and he stays up on the latest scientific papers on trout and also talks to leading scientists, and is one of the best at distilling this information for us ordinary anglers. This is a fascinating podcast and Jason does a great job of explaining trout vision. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions but also a bunch of great tips from listeners, including:

When water is low and the sun is bright, what tactics do you recommend for Great Lakes steelhead?
Four great fly-tying tips from a tier in the UK
I am looking at the 10-foot Helios rods. For all-around fishing, should I get the 3-weight F model or the 4-weight D model?
A guide from the mid-Atlantic shares tips on targeting snakeheads
A young fly tier asks for advice on a moderately priced vise for tying bass flies
Why do my 9-foot 6X knotless leaders keep breaking?
A new fly fisher from Ohio recounts a wonderful experience he had on the river
A listener provides some great tips on rooftop rod carriers
A listener asks for suggestions for a book on the history of trout in North America

All About the Henry’s Fork, with Brandon Hoffner Mar 18, 2024

My guest this week is Brandon Hoffner [35:55], executive director of the Henry’s Fork Foundation, and the topic is the diverse habitat and trout-fishing opportunities of this world-famous river that has influenced so many anglers, techniques, and fly patterns over the years. Like all trout rivers today, the Henry’s Fork also has its share of environmental issues and we’ll explore how the Henry’s Fork Foundation works to maintain this magical fishery.

In the Fly Box this week, we have a roundup of questions and tips from listeners, including:

What is the advantage of a 9 ½-foot rod over a 9-footer or 10-footer?
A great tip from a listener on how to remove salt water from flies you have fished
When would you use a Tenkara rod over a traditional Western rod? And do you have a favorite Tenkara rod?
Does Tom Rosenbauer actually tie the flies in the Orvis Tom Rosenbauer fly selection?
What is the history of the famous Orvis Far & Fine graphite rod, and what line would you put on it?
For small creeks, is it better to use a 2-weight or a 3-weight line?
What can I substitute for goose biots on the tail of a stonefly nymph?
Can you explain the pros and cons of polyleaders vs. sink-tip fly lines?
What are the best fly lines on the new Helios 7 ½-foot 3-weight rod and the new 8-foot, 5-inch 7-weight rod?
A listener talks about how he uses the new Orvis wading staff as a hiking staff as well.
Will the heat inside a car in summer hurt my Orvis raincoat?
A call from Captains for Clean Water with some great news from the Everglades

Disturbing News on Montana's Smith River, with David Brooks Mar 11, 2024

The Montana Supreme Court recently reversed a decision that would have blocked a copper mine on the headwaters of the Smith River. Where we thought we had a win in preventing a mine in the wrong place, we now may have to live with that mine. David Brooks [33:02] on Montana TU tells us how, at the very least, TU and other organizations convinced the mine to put in a number of mitigation solutions that were not in their original plan. Trout Unlimited has one more hail Mary on this issue, which you can learn about in the podcast. This is a tough subject to listen to, but we learn that we can never give up on environmental issues, even when it looks like we've won.

(To sign a petition in support of Trout Unlimited's position preventing the mine from expanding onto public land, click here https://montanatu.org/protect-the-smith-sign-the-mineral-withdrawal-petition/

In the Fly Box this week, we have some more fun and positive topics, including:

What is a tailing loop in fly casting?
To practice casting for a saltwater trip, should I just use yarn or should I use a hookless fly similar to the size I will be casting?
What is the purpose of a wing on a wet fly?
Does the loop at the end of a fly line cause energy loss?
How can I photograph striped bass beneath a bridge?
Can I keep fly rods in my cartop quiver in hot weather?
A great tip from a listener about using white poster board on the surface of an old rolltop desk.
Another tip from a listener on using inexpensive drill gauges to size hunks of deer hair and beads.
Would a one-piece rod be better than a four-piece rod?
How do I keep debris from drifting downstream when fishing the top of a riffle?
What is a good all-around fly line for bonefish and redfish?
I had a fishless day and then a guy with a spin rod caught a trout right in front of me. Should I have switched to a streamer earlier?

A New Way of Fishing a Dry Dropper, with Josh Miller Mar 04, 2024

Josh Miller [43:10] is a guide and has been a competitive angler and coach for years and he, like many young fly fishers, is an innovative angler who doesn't rely only on older methods of fly fishing but develops his own techniques based on how he wants his flies to drift. This is a geeky one with some rambling, but I think Josh has some thought-provoking ideas that will get many of us thinking. In the Fly Box we have some interesting questions and tips from listeners, including:

What model of an older Orvis rod do you still fish?
Do you have any tips from casting a Spey rod from the beach?
The head on a fly I tied unraveled. Was it because I used Superglue and half hitches?
A tip from a listener on a product that will sharpen fly-tying scissors.
What conditions are best for fishing a bamboo rod?
Can I underline a fiberglass rod?
Can I cut the taper off an old WF5F line to make a lighter line for small streams?
How can I get my fly-tying thread to jump backward so I can tie in tricky materials?
What kind of setup do I need for catching snakeheads on a fly rod?
Why do smaller streams produce smaller trout and bigger rivers bigger fish?
What kind of PFD should I get for wearing under a fishing vest?
Why can't I find good brown and grizzly dry-fly hackle in size 12?
What do I need to do to switch between conventional nymphing and Euro nymphing?
Do most communities have fly-fishing clubs and how do I find them?
If I am going from a small stream to a lake, should I lengthen my butt section or lengthen my tippet?

How Fly Rods Are Developed, with Shawn Combs Feb 26, 2024

This week, my guest is Orvis rod designer and my fishing buddy Shawn Combs [14:05], who uses the new Helios rods as an example of how a new rod series is developed. What kind of input goes into a new rod design? Why do we keep making new rod series? How are they tested? How many prototypes of a new rod are built before we decide on the final model? The Fly Box is short this week because I've caught up with questions and am doing this before I leave for a couple weeks. But they're good ones, including:

Do I need to set the hook in a different manner with a glass fly rod?
Is there something about the new Helios rods that is not covered on the web site and catalog copy?
Is there a place where I can still pick up a Helios 3 rod?
I am going to Cozumel and will be wade fishing from the beach. What should I know in advance?
A listener gives some great tips on fly fishing for trout in Missouri

The Amazing World of Trout Stream Bugs, with Anna Le Feb 19, 2024

This week, my guest is educator and aquatic entomologist Anna Le [18:57], who introduces us to the amazing world of trout-stream invertebrates. She tells us how to gauge the health of a river by looking at the bugs, and also how we can all be citizen scientists and alert the authorities when we see a decline of important indicator species. In the Fly Box this week we have the usual mix of difficult and easy questions, plus tips, including:

A great tip from a listener—don't try to fish while you are wading.
Can I put an 8-weight line on my 7-weight Pflueger Medalist reel?
A funny story from a listener on another way to break a fly rod
As I get older my eyesight and finger dexterity are not what they used to be. Is there an easier knot for attaching flies to my tippet?
Why don't more people fish for chubs, and why are they considered a trash fish?
Do you have any recommended cicada patterns?
A listener who is also a toxicologist warns that not all fly-tying materials are harmless and gives tips on how to avoid undue exposure to them.
I have trouble tying tails on size 18 and smaller flies. Do you have any tips?

California's Diverse Wild Trout Populations, with Charlie Schneider Feb 12, 2024

This week my guest is Charlie Schneider [45:30] from Cal Trout, a great organization that Orvis has supported over the years because they are really effective in protecting wild trout habitat. Charlie talks about the many species and subspecies (or races depending on whether you are a lumper or a splitter) of wild trout found in California, some of are unique to California. The incredibly diverse topography and geology (and proximity to the Pacific Ocean) contribute to this array of salmonids and it's fascinating to get an overview of them. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips, including:

Why do I have trouble Euro nymphing in slow pools when I have such good luck in faster water?
I catch steelhead from Lake Ontario tributaries during the colder months but I don't catch trout there during the summer. Why?
I am having trouble casting a Euro rig. What tips can you give me?
How can I wean myself off my spinning rod when it's so much more successful that my fly rod?
What are your thoughts on the Non-Slip Mono Loop for dry flies?
Have you ever tired the Australian Braid Knot as a replacement for the Bimini Twist?
Which is more important in choosing a line size—the size of the fish or the size of the fly?
Can trout spill over a dam into streams below?
Can you give me some tips on catching cutthroat trout?
How can I tell if there are trout in a small stream?
I am 17 and can't afford a hackle cape. Is there any way to save money on a cape, and what color would you recommend I start with?
Is it so bad if I want to keep a few wild trout to eat? Why the big emphasis on catch and release?
What is that protrusion on the opposite side of the spool from a reel handle? It can't be a counterweight.
If I have a medium-fast 5-weight rod, will a 6-weight line make it more of a medium action?
I lost 30-40 fish in the tail of a pool swinging flies. What was I doing wrong?
How do you select deer hair for Comparadun wings?

Secrets of Small-Stream Trout Fishing, with Guide Charity Rutter Feb 05, 2024

My guest this week is Charity Rutter [39:50], a great friend and longtime guide in the Great Smoky Mountains. She and her husband Ian have just finished a great book (I read the manuscript and loved it) and although it won't be available until April, you can pre-order it here:

https://randrflyfishing.com/store/fly-fishing-guide-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park/

Charity shares her secrets for making more out of your time on small waters, and although she concentrates on her area, she has fished small streams throughout North America and her tips will help you no matter where you fish.

In the Fly Box this week we have a nice assortment of questions and tips on fly fishing and fly tying, including:

Why do you hate hook keepers so much?
Is it true that you should not hook your fly onto your stripping guide?
A listener recounts his first experience with selling flies he tied himself.
A number of people chide me for not using a wading staff—yet.
Will it hurt my fly line if I stretch it first before fishing?
A listener gives some good advice on how to get out of a dangerous situation while wading, and how to prevent your waders from acting like a sea anchor.
A tip from a listener on how he deals with litter during a day of fishing and one on how he carries rods on the back seat of his vehicle.
A listener tells me how pleased he was with Orvis reel repair service.
Should I wear socks when wearing the new Pro Approach Hikers in salt water?
Can I Euro nymph in lakes and ponds?
A tip from a listener on making more durable peacock herl bodies.
Where should I put the heavy section of mono on a shock leader?
A listener shares a tip on playing darts during the winter to keep those casting muscles in shape
I used rubber soled wading shoes on slippery rocks and had poor traction. Should I stud them or just get a pair of felt-soled boots?
In a remote lake with an inlet and outlet, will trout move into the outlet as well as the inlet?
How can I keep my dropper and tippet from slipping off my barbless hook when fishing with a dry dropper? And what knot is best when attaching a dropper to a hook bend?
I have a 9-foot 5-weight rod and want a rod for fishing for panfish and streamers for trout. What rod should I get next?

How to Become a Better Wader, with Lindsay Kocka Jan 29, 2024

Lindsay Kocka [42:30] is a fly-fishing instructor, formally trained natural movement and strength coach, mobility specialist, yoga teacher, and mindfulness educator. She taken her fishing experience and formal training to come up with a method to help us wade stronger and more confidently. Regardless of your age, you'll benefit from this podcast, which will give you lots of tips on how to feel more comfortable and confident on the water. You'll also learn about how to get your body and balance in better shape for your upcoming trips on the water. In the Fly Box this week, we have an unusually large number of useful tips from listeners, as well as the usual questions for Tom, including:

Will my Clearwater fly lines be OK in salt water?
Why don't we use grain weights instead of the AFTMA number system for identifying the weights of trout fly lines like we do for double-handed rods?
The fly shops are always out of my favorite fly pattern, the Purple Haze. I just want to tie those. Should I start with a kit or should I just buy the materials I need for that fly pattern?
A tip from a listener on how to attach a fly so that it does not twist your leader
When you work a section of water, should you work the near seam or the far seam first?
A tip from a listener on how to replace the permanent loop on your fly line with a new one
A tip from a listener on how to remove burrs or grooves in your fly-tying bobbin
A tip from a listener on why you should save old waders, and how to use them to patch new ones.
A tip from a listener on why it is important to support your local fly shop
Tips from a blind fly fisher on methods he uses to enjoy fly fishing, and a couple tips from him on how to make threading a fly easier—something that all of us can benefit from.
Tips from a listener on practicing your fly casting from the position you'll most often be fishing from.
What is the etiquette when wading anglers and boaters cross paths on the water?
Why would someone pick a 91/2-foot or 9-foot, 5-inch rod over a 9-footer?
What tips do you have for casting a sinking leader?
Can I keep my rods set up in or on my car for extended periods?

All about Floating Fly Lines, with Josh Jenkins Jan 22, 2024

All about Floating Fly Lines, with Josh Jenkins What is the difference between freshwater and saltwater fly lines? How about warmwater and cold-water lines? How long do fly lines last? How do you care for a fly line? How do you clean a fly line? Why do we have over-weighted fly lines? These are questions I often get for the podcast, so I asked Josh Jenkins [49:28], head of R&D for Scientific Anglers, to answer these questions and more about floating fly lines. In the Fly Box this week, as usual we have some great questions and helpful tips from listeners they want to share with you, including:

What is the best rod length, line size, and leader for brook trout?
Can I throw a small Woolly Bugger with my 3-weight rod or do I need a heavier rod?
Are there any fly-tying materials that could have a negative health impact?
Do you know of a source for those bags used to hold fly-tying materials?
What flies can I use ruffed grouse feathers on?
Should I use my heavier nymph as my point (lower) fly?
I am looking at an Amplitude Creek line for small streams but it states the line is one size heavier. Will it spook the brook trout I am after?
How many flies do you lose every season, and how do you lose most of them?
How long should I expect a fly to last?
I love carp and bass fishing and have always been underwhelmed by trout fishing. What am I missing?
Are 6-piece rods any good, and would you take one on a long trip?
I got some old feathers that are bug infested. How can I clean them to make sure all the critters are gone?
A useful tip from a listener—to slow you down and help you observe a river better, don't string up your rod until you get to the river.
What do you do when you change species? Do you have separate fly boxes for each?
When coming up with a new fly pattern, how do you decide hook style and thread type?
Tip for keeping young kids away from a fly-tying area—use a baby gate
What is the most versatile fly for catching bass, carp, and panfish?
I get seasick. What is the best place to go bonefishing where I will find calm water?

How to Spot Fish on Saltwater Flats, with Jason Franklin Jan 15, 2024

Are there any tricks to spotting fish on saltwater flats, especially if it's your first time? You may be disappointed to hear that there is no magic bullet and every place you fish will offer different species, water color, and depth. But Jason Franklin [37:36] has a lifetime of experience helping his clients to spot bonefish and permit in the water, and he gives us some solid tips on how to develop this skill. In the Fly Box this week, we have an unusual number of great tips from listeners, along with some questions Tom attempts to answer, including:

Will a 2-weight rod give me more enjoyment than my 7 1/2-foot 3-weight when bluelining on my local streams? How about a 10 foot two-weight?
What is the purpose of tying a tippet ring on the end of big dry flies?
Three great fly-tying and fishing hacks from a listener
A listener describes how he fixed a bobbin that kept cutting thread using a fly-tying bead.
What hook sizes can I cast on my 5-weight when fishing for bass? And would it help to put a 6-weight on my rod when casting larger flies?
What do you think of trying weedless carp flies for fish that are in pockets between weeds?
If I am tying various styles of streamers in a range of sizes, should I get a rooster cape?
Do I need to dry out my fly line before putting my reel away?
I want to try a tenkara rod but my fishing buddy says it's not fly fishing. What do you think?
I could catch trout on Woolly Buggers but had trouble catching them on small midges. What should I try in this tailwater the next time I go?
Three tips from a listener on getting success when tight-line nymphing.
Is it possible to get transcripts for the podcasts?
What is the process for experimentation with new fly patterns?
A listener adds another common way to break a fly rod
When you talk about leader length, do you include the tippet?

Saving rivers, with Western Rivers Conservancy's Sue Doroff Jan 08, 2024

This week's podcast is a recording of a live interview I did with Sue Doroff [48:56], co-founder and outgoing president of The Western Rivers Conservancy, which does amazing work throughout the West by buying valuable riparian land, making the surrounding habitat more natural and resilient, and enhancing public access to many of our important trout, salmon, and steelhead rivers. You'll learn how Western Rivers finds these areas, the financial model for how they do this, and how most are eventually transferred into public ownership. It's fascinating story of how a small organization punches well above its weight. In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of questions and valuable tips from listeners, including:

How to use forceps to smooth down weighting wire
How to easily reverse your tying thread using a dubbing needle
How do I get deer hair to behave?
Any tips for attaching eyes to Game Changers?
Why can I catch trout from tiny streams on dry flies but not on nymphs?
Advice on the differences between Helios and Recon rods
How do I get into commercial fly tying?
How far do stocked trout travel?
Can I catch a carp on my 8 ½ foot 5 weight rod?
Can I use split shot with streamers?
Advice on a fiberglass rod for bass and panfish
Do I need to adjust water type or tactics for browns vs. rainbows?
A great tip from a listener on how to avoid losing beads and hooks under your tying table
What should a non-angler do when going fishing with a fly fisher?
How can I prevent losing fish on size 24 flies? Should I keep the barbs on?
Does how you tie a clinch knot have any bearing on how it rides in the water?
A listener suggestion for another great writer of fly-fishing essays

A Half Century of Fly-Tying Evolution, with Tim Flagler Jan 01, 2024

How has fly-tying changed in the past 50 years? It's changed a great deal in the time Tim Flagler [43:55] and I have been practicing it, and I often get questions from people about what has changed over the years. Tim and I discuss the way information was shared, what hackle was like back then, innovations like beads and synthetic materials and chemically sharpened hooks, and advances in fly-tying tools. Our main conclusion is that fly tiers today have never had it better, and it continues to evolve almost daily. In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of rod questions and the usual queries that people can't seem to find an answer to anywhere else—and we're glad to help! Some of this week's questions are:

I am taking a rod-building class and want to know what rod I should add to my quiver (and he details the rods he already owns)
I have heard that Florida snook fishing is best from shore during the summer, but also that the season is closed. Can I still target them and release them?
What do you know about fly fishing in Bermuda?
Can I put a 9-weight line on my Clearwater 908?
What Mirage LT reel should I put on my 11-foot Blackout rod?
Are there any introduced cutthroat populations in the eastern US?
For fishing from a float tube for brook trout in Maine, should I get a 10-foot 3-weight or 4-weight rod?
Would it be bad to wear tick repellent when fishing? Will it harm aquatic life?
Why do reel manufacturers put the drag adjustment on the opposite side of the reel handle? I find it cumbersome to adjust my drag.
How will warm springs in my river affect bass behavior and feeding?
What is the minimum length of rod you recommend for most trout streams, other than small streams?
How do stocked spring creeks in Missouri compare to Colorado rivers?
Where can my friends and I find a good fly-fishing coach?
What clothing, equipment, and flies should I take for a bonefishing trip to the Turks & Caicos?
I am new to New England and have been frustrated with high water conditions. What can I do to have more success in high water?

How Water Temperature Affects Saltwater Flats Fish, with Aaron Adams Dec 18, 2023

We frequently discuss water temperature in regard to trout fishing but you seldom hear much about how water temperature affects popular fly-rod fish like bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish, striped bass, and bluefish. Yet the water on the flats can vary dramatically depending on local weather patterns and tides, which will in turn affect where the fish move to and how actively they feed. Learn from Bonefish Tarpon Trust's science director Aaron Adams [51:35] (also a superb fly fisher) on the science of water temperature and saltwater species. In the Fly Box this week we have a great selection of questions, tips, and rants from listeners, including:

Is it appropriate to tip a guide when he or she runs a group class at a fly shop?
What kind of footwear do you use when blue lining when you are wet wading?
Does monofilament have a shelf life?
Is a fiberglass rod a viable option for carp, bass, or bonefish?
Has Tom developed any new insights on carp fishing in 2023?
My sister harvested a moose. What flies can I tie with moose hair?
I've often had good fishing before a thunderstorm but not after. Is there any validity to this observation?
A mild rant from a listener who does not like to chat on the water with other anglers. And a less mild rant about anglers who invade his space.
Can I turn my fly line around to the running line when I want to Euro nymph?
How have developments in fly fishing changed the productivity of fly fishing in the last 100 years?
Why am I not seeing many fish in rivers that run into reservoirs in the fall?
How can I tell the difference between my nymphs ticking the bottom and a strike?
A great tip from a listener on removing all of your backing and rinsing it at the end of a saltwater fly-fishing season.
Should knots ever break?
This fall I fished a river that was 18 to 24 inches deep and uniform without much structure. I fished hard with various methods and didn't catch a thing. How would you approach water like this?

Backcast: Tom's Top-Ten Tips for Winter Fly Fishing Dec 10, 2023

This show on winter fly-fishing was originally posted on 28 January, 2011. Before we had interviews, the Flybox, or even call-ins, it was just Sir Tom rambling into a microphone.

Don't forget there are hundreds of shows from our archives that are freelly available on your podcast reader and at howtoflyfish.orvis.com.

The Power of Observation in Fly Fishing, with Guide Cliff Weisse Dec 04, 2023

Careful observation, active instead of passive, is the hallmark of a good fly fisher. They pick up patterns by observing exactly where in the river a fish came from , or how it behaved when feeding, or what weather patterns preceded a particularly successful day. Head guide Cliff Weisse [46:15] of Three Rivers Ranch in Warm River, Idaho tells us some things many fly fishers don't pay enough attention to, and thus lose the ability to improve their skills. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips, including:

How many flies and leaders will I need for a single day of guided fishing in the Bahamas? And what gear will I need that I would normally not take for a day of trout fishing?
If I catch a trout from a small pool, should I assume the rest of the fish in that pool are spooked?
When should I strip a fish in, and when should I get the line on the reel?
My buddy and I lost 100% of the trout we hooked one day. WE normally land most of them. What did we do wrong?
What flies will imitate shad, small rainbows, sculpins, and small brown trout?
I fish a piece of water with lots of swirling eddies and have trouble with a normal hard strike indicator. What should I use instead?
How can I manage using multiple fly lines without buying a new reel or spool for each one?
Is it OK for a guide to give me an unsolicited lecture on etiquette even though I never crowd anyone?
If I only make casts at a maximum of 15 feet in a small stream, is there a special fly line I should be using?
I read somewhere that the author uses "gel flotant on all my flies". Am I missing something?
How do you determine the shuck color on a Sparkle Dun?
A great tip from a listener about using a "backing barrel" on a sighter leader when you have trouble seeing it.
How can I avoid spooking smallmouth bass on a small, clear stream?

Backcast: A Life in Fly fishing, with Tom McGuane Nov 27, 2023

Originally Posted on March 3rd, 2023

Back in 2008 when I first began this podcast I had two dreams—that I would have my two literary heros, John McPhee and Thomas McGuane as guests (they are both passionate fly fishers). I was lucky enough to record a podcast with John in August of 2021 and this week's podcast is with Tom McGuane [44:36], author of 20 highly regarded novels, screenplays, collections of short stories, and what is in my opinion the finest book of fly-fishing essays ever written, The Longest Silence. Most people who interview Tom want to talk about his crazy days in Key West in the 1970s, , fishing for tarpon with Jim Harrison, Guy de la Valdene, Jimmy Buffet, and other notable characters. However, in the podcast we talk about what he is doing now—his fascination with small-stream trout fishing, why he would rather wade than fish from a boat, his opinion on guides who yell at their clients, and how to grow old gracefully and still continue to fish with a fly rod. It was a real honor to chat with him and I know you'll enjoy this very special podcast.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some wonderful and thought-provoking questions and tips form listeners, including:

What is that white rod that Pete Kutzer uses in your casting videos?

Is there a written history of Orvis?

What is the best reel lubricant, and how should I maintain my cork drag surface?

Can dumbbell eyes damage fly rods? If so, what should I do to keep flies tied with them from hitting my rod?

Do trout eat those little black and brown stoneflies that hatch during the winter and early spring?

Can you explain when I would use weighted flies vs. split shot vs. poly leaders when fishing nymphs?

Can you compare the relative advantages of the 10 1/2-foot 3-weight and the 11-foot 3-weight Blackout rod?

I saw people catching fish on nymphs. I tried exactly the same patterns and didn't catch anything. Why?

I have a reel that takes a 9-weight line. Can I get an extra spool and put it on my 7-weight rod?

Twelve Tips for Fishing Dry Flies, with Todd Tanner Nov 20, 2023

Todd Tanner [43:02] is a lifelong fly fisher and journalist and spent years as a guide on the Henry's Fork, one of the best (and toughest) dry-fly rivers in the world. He also prefers not to fish nymphs. Todd shares his 12 tips on improving your success with dry flies this week, and they are solid and helpful. In the Fly Box this week, we have a great and varied selection of questions and tips from listeners, including:

I don't see any brook or brown trout in the usual places this fall. Are they all upstream spawning?
Two great tips from a listener for beginning fly tiers.
Is a 10-foot 4-weight a good rod for both Euro nymphing and dry-fly fishing?
A great tip from a listener on how to prevent your dry fly from getting too soaked before retrieving it for the next cast.
A listener makes the point that watershed-level stream restoration is often not possible.
If my stream is stocked with rainbows, will I find them in other parts of the river system and will they survive?
Can I use a less expensive spool of fluorocarbon spinning line instead of the expensive stuff sold for fly fishing?
If I use only the tip of a CDC feather, can I use the remaining fibers for something else?
Kudos from a listener on a wonderful experience he had in the Orvis retail store in Atlanta
What kind of insects are most common in infertile streams?
Is there a reason Orvis makes a 10 ½ foot and 11-foot H3 rod and not a 10-footer?
A great rattlesnake story from a listener
I found a whole bunch of trout rising in a seam and tried everything but could not catch them. I tried all kinds of dries and nymphs and changed my tippet and my angle of approach. What do you think the fish were eating?

Must-Reads in Classic Fly-Fishing Literature, with Michael Checchio Nov 13, 2023

I get frequent questions from listeners on what I would recommend they read in fly-fishing literature, as there is so much out there it's tough to sort through it to find what's worth reading. Michael Checchio [38:10] is a retired journalist and investigative reporter and a student of fly-fishing books, so we spend some time discussing what he feels are must-reads (or maybe just interesting reads) in the vast river of what has been written about fly fishing. Here is Michael's list: Fiction

A River Runs through It by Norman Maclean
"Big Two-Hearted River" by Ernest Hemingway (short story)
Ninety-Two in the Shade by Thomas McGuane
The River Why by David James Duncan

Non-fiction

The Longest Silence by Thomas McGuane
The Angler's Coast and Dark Waters by Russell Chatham
The Curtis Creek Manifesto by Sheridan Anderson
"Hat Creek" and "Deeds Among the Steelhead" by Bill Barich (magazine articles; may be tough to find)
The Spawning Run by William Humphrey
Trout Bum by John Gierach
"The Same River Twice" by David Quammen (published in Outside Magazine)
"A Sporting Life" by Jim Harrison (magazine article, may be tough to find)
My Story as Told by Water by David James Duncan

In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of questions and tips, including:

How do I know when to strip strike and when to trout strike?
Do I really need to go barbless on small dry-fly hooks?
How do I know what size material to use if I want to lengthen my leader?
A great tip from a listener on learning to cast with your "off" hand
A tip from a listener on wetting new tying materials befor you use them to see what color they will be
Why do I only see larger wild brown trout in one section of a river I fish?
How do I see my sighter in difficult lighting conditions?
If I am fishing for stocked rainbows and grayling, where should I place my grayling fly—on the bottom or on the dropper?
Should I use my 10-foot 7-weight Recon that I use for steelhead for streamer fishing from a boat for trout?
What is the main difference between a Helios D and Helios F rod when fishing for bonefish?
My bamboo ferrule only fits ¾ of the way to full engagement. Is that OK?
Why do I see steelhead smolt in my river but never chinook salmon smolt?
Is there any way to get the bad smell off a bucktail?
Why don't people fish bucktails much these days?
Is there a way to tell a northern strain from a southern strain brook trout visually?

We're "Fixing" Trout Streams All Wrong, With Chris Jordan Nov 06, 2023

My guest this week is Chris Jordan [41:13], a scientist with NOAA who specializes in habitat restoration. His view is that, in our arrogance, we've gotten habitat restoration projects all wrong most of the time. We think we can engineer river systems to conform with what we think they should be, but rivers are dynamic and mostly unpredictable and that, whenever possible, we need to look at watershed solutions—helping rivers do the job with a lighter hand but a larger scope. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.restoringriverscapes.org In the Fly Box this week we have a wide variety of interesting questions, including:

Should I bother fishing carp flats when the water temperature is in the 50s and air temperature is in the 30s?
Will brown trout live in warm water rivers some of the time? Is it worth it to fish the mouths of cold-water tributaries for brown trout?
You always say that trout prefer to be in water that is two-to four-feet deep to feed. Yet I have caught my largest trout in pools that are 10-to 15-feet deep. I'm confused.
How does George Daniel attach his light nymphing leader to his fly line?
I fish small streams with a 10-foot, 4-weight Recon rod. I worry about spooking trout when my rod casts a shadow over the pool I'm fishing. Should I go with a shorter rod?
Some great suggestions from a listener about fishing with kids, and why we should make it more about building relationships and not always about catching fish.
I consistently foul-hook trout when fishing multiple flies. Am I striking too soon or too late, or striking too hard?
If most people fish barbless flies, why don't manufacturers make more barbless hooks?
Do states only stock trout in specific locations due to allocated quantities, or are there environmental factors in play?
Can I use a 6-weight Bank Shot line on my 11-foot, 4-weight Euro rod to try two-handed casting?
I have a friend who ties all my flies. What should I get him as a thank-you gift?
If I hook but lose a big lake-run rainbow, would it be possible to go back later in the day to try for it?
I have a small brook trout stream on my property. Should I put some trees in the river to help the fish?
A listener suggests that although smallmouth bass don't need much habitat help from us, they grow slowly so handling them with care is important if you want a trophy smallmouth fishery.

15 Ways to Break a Fly Rod, with Charlie Robinton Oct 30, 2023

Besides breaking your fly rod in those boring old ways like car doors or ceiling fans, there are other, less obvious ways and most of them are preventable as well. This week I chat with Charlie Robinton [49:00], rod repair expert on the Orvis Outfitter Team, and we'll explore other ways fly rods are broken—including some unusual ways they have been broken over the years, thanks to stories from our terrific rod repair team. True, if you break an Orvis rod we can usually have it back to you in about five days—but a broken rod is still not a fun way to start (or end) a fishing trip. In the Fly Box this week, we have some perplexing questions, tips from listeners, and some listeners who take exception to some of the things I've said in the past, including:

Where can I take my sons and granddaughter on Route 20 in Idaho where they can easily catch trout?
What is a good rod manufacturer?
A listener describes a perplexing day on a difficult river and analyzes his day and asks Tom if he agrees.
Do you take all of your fly boxes when you fish or do you determine what you will likely need for the day? And where do you put your lunch, sunscreen, and raincoat?
Last year I had great luck for pre-spawn brown trout and this year I can't hook them. Should I keep trying different streamer patterns?
A caution from a listener on serious reactions to UV resins
A suggestion from a listener on sliding beads down your leader if you want to make any nymph a bead head.
A listener says he has never had fly-tying threads weaken over time and disagrees with my suggestion that they can weaken after a few years.
Are beaded or non-beaded flies more successful?
How can I use adhesives to keep the dumbbell eyes on my Clouser Minnows from rotating?
You have said trout eyes are designed to look up. When I catch trout they are always looking down. Why?
You recommend using a throat pump. But what good does it do you when you have already caught a fish? And then you take their food away?
Does gel flotant on a hook have a negative effect?

A new nymph fishing technique and the under-rated 10-foot fly rod, with George Daniel Oct 23, 2023

My guest this week is the great George Daniel [42:00], who is always pushing the envelope, evolving and experimenting. He tells us why he uses a 10-foot fly rod for nearly all of his trout fishing, even in smaller streams and he also introduces a new nymphing technique he has been experimenting with. In the Fly Box this week, we have a great variety of questions and tips, including:

Can I use a poly leader in salt water for stripers?
Why do I find fewer and smaller fish in low water conditions later in the season?
How often do you find yourself adjusting indicator depth in medium and large rivers?
What should I do with the reject flies from my tying bench?
Is a bow-and-arrow cast stealthier than a roll cast in small streams?
I see large crayfish in a stream. Why don't I see smaller crayfish?
Are fiberglass rods more sensitive than graphite rods?
Do creek chubs compete with brown trout?
What can I do to keep the wings on my parachute flies at 90 degrees once I start fishing them?
I found I could double haul better with some Orvis rods I tried than with entry level rods I have. Is it simply the difference between a premium rod and my current lower level rods?
I keep breaking off coho salmon. What could I be doing wrong?
Can I fish egg and worm patterns and streamers with my 7-foot, 4-weight rod?
A tip from a listener—if you want to find out where trout live in a particular river, observe them from a bridge.
Is there an organization devoted specifically to smallmouth bass?

Managing instream flows, with Hal Herring Oct 15, 2023

Hal Herring [50:31] has been reporting on conservation issues in the American West for over 30 years for Field & Stream magazine as well as other publications. In this week's podcast, he explores the many complexities of trying to keep enough water in our rivers for both agriculture and trout populations, which has become an increasingly difficult juggling act. Hal also gently berates today's hunters and anglers about educating themselves on the science and the politics behind these issues. It's not enough to just complain about the lack of water—it's important to understand the issue before you can have a credible opinion. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great tips and questions, including:

Do bamboo and fiberglass rods load differently than graphite rods?
When you have a very limited time on a river, do you have a fishing method that gives you the most bang for your buck?
Is there an alternative to the "chuck and duck" method for fishing for salmon and steelhead on Michigan rivers?
If you are buying older fly tying material, what should you look for to make sure it has not been degraded?
How would you adjust your fly selection for smallmouth bass throughout the season?
Is rising or falling water better on a fluctuating tailwater?
Can I use my 10-foot, 8-weight rod in the surf?
If my Mop flies have fallen apart, can I easily add a new piece of mop material to the hook and bead? I am not a fly tier.
Are two three-turn whip finishes better than a single 6-turn whip finish?
A tip that textured lines in a long day of stripping flies can cut into your fingers
Is the San Juan Shuffle ethical?
Is a fast action 5-weight rod actually a 6-weight?
I have been lipping bass for many years. Why do you say it's bad for the fish?

Learning from Trout DNA, with Helen Neville Oct 02, 2023

Helen Neville [38:57] is Trout Unlimited's senior scientist and also an expert in trout genetics. In this interview, we talk about what scientists have learned about trout evolution and relationships in the past decade. They now have tools at their disposal that can tell them how closely two trout populations are related, how much hatchery trout have interbred with wild populations, and how various races and subspecies of trout have evolved. You'll also learn how they extract this DNA and study it—but you had better review your high school or college genetics first because it gets a bit complex. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and a couple helpful tips from listeners, including:

A listener from Germany relates a horrible experience he had with a guide
Can I underline my Orvis bamboo fly rod?
What do you think putting a strip of material on a leader as a "worm attractor"?
A great tip from a listener of how to make a paddle and rod rest for a canoe
A warning from a listener that the drop shot method of fishing nymphs is illegal in California—and possibly other places.
A listener wants to know if he can effectively use the Euro nymph technique with a 10-foot, 5-weight rod
What is the best way to get polarized glasses for someone who needs a strong prescription. Do clip-ons work well?
Should I lubricate the zipper on my Pro Zippered Waders?
When fighting fish, is tippet size or rod weight the deciding factor?
When by myself, how do I take a photo of a fish so that I can later judge its size?
Why is fall fishing better? Do trout feed heavily in anticipation of winter?
What size leader and tippet should I use for carp, and should I use my 6-weight or 8-weight rod?
I tie my tippet directly to my fly line for small stream brook trout. What advantages will I have by going to a tapered leader?
Do brook trout in a small meadow stream move throughout the season?

Secrets of the Battenkill, with Doug Lyons Sep 18, 2023

The Battenkill is an iconic and often frustrating trout stream. It's a gorgeous river with a healthy population of wild trout but it has had its ups and downs over the years. Doug Lyons [49:48] is a lifetime Battenkill expert and knows the river perhaps better than anyone, and his new book Fly Fishing Guide to the Battenkill unravels many secrets of this special river—perhaps more than many of us locals are comfortable with! Doug and I had fun sharing our theories and thoughts about the river. In the Fly Box this week, I have some especially interesting questions from listeners, including:

I have been experimenting with streams on a floating line with a short leader with no success. What am I doing wrong, and what do you suggest?
Is there a way to tell the various subspecies of cutthroat trout apart?
What are the pros and cons of smooth vs. textured lines?
Why are reel prices so expensive these days? Aren't they just used to store line?
How can I tell what line size a bamboo rod takes? I bought an old rod that has no markings on it.
Why don't more fly shops sell nymphs with matte beads?
Will I save money by tying my own flies?
How can I identify the various mayflies and caddisflies I have in southern Michigan?
Why do I get tippet curls just ahead of my fly when I tie it on? I have tried a couple knots and they still seem to do it.
Will a Spey rod with a larger line size cast farther than a lighter one like a 6-weight?
A reminder from a listener about the perils to wildlife of using lead weights in fishing.
Will it hurt to store my fly line on the reel in the off-season?
What tools do you personally use in fly tying and which are the most important?
If I am making my own leaders should I use blood knots or surgeon's knots to connect the sections?
Does it matter which way your fly is oriented when fishing?

Tips on fishing high alpine lakes, with George Hunker Sep 11, 2023

This week, my guest is long-time Orvis-endorsed guide George Hunker [49:26], who has won two awards (guide of the year and the coveted lifetime achievement award) for his excellence in creating wonderful experiences for his customers. George has a lifetime of experience in fishing alpine lakes in the Wind River range in Wyoming, and his tips will be valuable to anyone who fishes these wilderness gems for trout. In the Fly Box this week, we have a varied assortment of questions about tackle, fly tying, and techniques, including:

Am I missing out by just fishing close to home and not putting more exotic trips on the calendar?
How can I stop my streamer tails from wrapping around the bend of the hook?
Can I use a heavy switch rod for fishing in the surf in North Carolina and also for king salmon in Michigan?
Can I tie large nymphs or streamers on some old Mustad salmon hooks? How about saltwater flies?
I want to get an 8-weight rod. Should I get a Recon or Clearwater?
How do you fish scuds in lakes?
What is the best way to fish a short, narrow, deep, and fast pool in high water?
Why can't I catch many trout on dry flies in small Missouri wild trout streams?
Why do some 6-weight rods have fighting butts? Do I need one to fish for trout in Virginia?
What fly line do you recommend for striped bass in the Chesapeake region?
How can I keep the eyes from coming off my deer hair bass bugs?
Why not use a small perfection loop instead of a tippet ring?
Why would you not fish a dropshot rig with nymphs all the time?
How can I explore other parts of a favorite trout stream? What should I look for?

Seven Deadly Sins of Pike Fishing, with Josh Nugent Sep 04, 2023

Northern pike are a fascinating and explosive fish to catch on a fly rod. There is not much that beats a big northern smashing a streamer close to the surface or eating a popper. Josh Nugent [47:05] is a very experienced pike angler and has a host of tips on tackle, leaders, flies, retrieves, and how to find pike all year long. This episode should really be called Everything You Need to Know about Fly Fishing for Pike, but Josh loves those Seven Deadly titles so I'm going with it. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, both basic and more advanced, including:

What rod and reel do I need for chasing king salmon in Great Lakes rivers?
Are posts on parachute flies for us or for the fish? Do they imitate wings on a mayfly or are they just a strike indicator for us?
How do I keep my line from tangling in a canoe?
I have trouble seeing small ants and beetles on the water. What can I do to help see them better?
A listener offers another reason why we love trout fishing so much.
What is the best strategy for fishing in the rain?
What do you do when dry-dropper fishing in small streams with varying depth? Do you constantly adjust the length of your dropper?
Why do I see only one brook trout in a series of pools in tiny streams? And do brook trout populations fluctuate from year to year?
What detrimental effect would ammonia have on breathable waders? If it is not recommended, what should I use to wash my waders?
Is there a store-bought solution for leaders longer than 12 feet long? And do you have any tips on getting them to straighten?
Why are tarpon guides so obsessed with tying their own leaders?
How much does time of day matter when trout fishing?

Tips for urban fly fishing, with James Spica Aug 14, 2023

You may have some amazing fly fishing right in your neighborhood even if you live in a big city. Urban fly fishing may not be pristine, but it has its own charms and moments of excitement, and you don't need to drive for hours to get to it. James Spica [46:05], fishing manager of Orvis Royal Oak, gives us good tips on finding this kind of fishing in your area, what species you might encounter, and some tips for making the most of your experience. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions as usual, including:

Are there any fly-tying materials made from plant fibers?
Are trout equally susceptible to stress in low water temperatures as they are in high water temperatures?
What is the best way to dye bucktails?
What feathers should I keep for tying from ducks I harvest?
What is the difference between the Blackout 8-weight rod and the Helios 3 8-weight rods?
What's a good rod for small stream brook trout fishing?
Do you need to open your casting loops with leaders over 13 feet long?
In a Pile Cast, will the line and leader butt hit the water before the tippet and fly?
Is it OK to put my rod and reel in the water when landing a fish?
What can we do about the flood damage in Vermont? What will the fishing be like in the near future?
What is the most effective way to interact with the people in a fly shop when looking for information?
Why can't I get white Woolly Buggers to work in my river? I hear people have good luck with them.
What's a good rod for smallmouth and smaller stream steelhead fishing?
Does underlining a rod help for longer casts?
What is a short heavy rod, like the old 7'11" Recon rod for 8-weight, used for?

Ten tips for summer smallmouth, with award-winning guide Matt Miles Aug 07, 2023

My guest this week is Matt Miles [55:11], 2023 Orvis Guide of the Year. Matt has extensive experience guiding for trout in the Rocky Mountains, but has returned to his home state of Virginia to concentrate on warmwater species, especially smallmouth bass. Matt offers 10 great tips for fishing for summer smallmouth in rivers based on his extensive experience. In the Fly Box this week we have some interesting questions and also some great tips from listeners, including:

I got advice on the right fly patterns from local guides on my river but I am still struggling. What else would you suggest?
What flies do you suggest for targeting freshwater stripers in rivers?
I can only afford one guide trip. Should I pick an easier river with stocked (but large) trout or should I go to the more technical river with wild but tougher trout?
Why do you recommend cutting the back hook off an articulated streamer and not the front hook? Don't fish attack baitfish at the head?
I would like a longer fiberglass 3-weight rod for small streams. Why don't you make them in 9- or 10-foot models?
I am terrible at spotting fish. Do you have any tips?
Six great tips from a listener for novice to intermediate anglers on trout water
I have trouble tying Perfection Loops in material smaller than 3X. What do you suggest?
Some great advice from a listener on how to get a friend or spouse more interested in fly fishing.
I am having trouble Euro nymphing. I only catch a fish or two in a 3-hour trip. I know I am getting deep enough and I have the right fly patterns. Do you have any tips?
Do you have a systematic approach when working a piece of water?
Why don't my flies work as well as live eggs when fishing in murky water for pink salmon?
Anything I can do to land more fish that get downstream of me?
The fly shop said to fish big Stimulators but I couldn't hook any fish that rose to them. Then I went to a smaller Elk Hair Caddis and was able to hook them. Why?
If I am not catching any fish could it be there are no fish there? Or fish are there but not feeding? Or are they feeding on something else and I am not using the right fly? And how long should I stay in one spot if I am not hooking any?

Small stream bluelining in the Rockies, with Jeremie Prine Jul 31, 2023

My guest this week is Jeremie Prine [47:39], owner and head guide of Dunoir Fly Fishing Adventures of Dubois, Wyoming. He specializes in fishing small wilderness creeks (as well as larger rivers) in Wyoming and is one of the best small-stream anglers I have ever met. Jeremie shares his tips on finding these streams, how to fish them, and of course what flies he likes for bluelining. He also gives some great tips on exploring in grizzly bear country, and you should pay attention to his tips, because in a lifetime of chasing fish in the back country he has never had to use bear spray (but he still carries it every time he goes out).

In the Fly Box this week, we have some excellent tips form listeners, as well as many questions on fly fishing conundrums, including:

All the size 16 dry flies I had bent open in large trout. I bought cheap flies online. Is this common, or did I make a mistake?
I saw bass jumping for dragonflies and chasing baitfish but when I tried to match these, I had no luck on the bass. Any suggestions?
I have trouble shooting line. It either lands too hard or piles up on the water. What am I doing wrong?
Can I use a 2-weight or even a 1-weight rod on small streams if I am using smaller flies?
Should I expect rainbow and brown trout in the UK to behave the same way and eat the same flies in the UK as in the US?
A great suggestion from a listener that when fishing in the Big Hole Valley, it's as important to clean, inspect, and dry our wading gear as it is to take care in releasing fish.
I am having trouble making long downstream mends in the rain because the line sticks to my rod. What can I do?
A great tip from a listener on how to dye white rubber net bags to a darker color for better photos.
Is there any reason not to tie giant hopper patterns for bass?
Some great tips and new insights from a listener on how to land more big trout.
If I see certain nymphs when turning over rocks in a river, how far can I deviate from them when choosing my nymph patterns?
What can I do when faced with high, turbid water and bright, sunny skies?
Should we take the same care in releasing bass as we do with trout?
What is the best thing to do when I hook a trout deep in its throat and can't get the hook out easily?

Montana trout suffer mysterious disease, with Wade Fellin Jul 21, 2023

This week my guest is guide and lodge owner Wade Fellin [45:48] of Big Hole River Lodge. Wade is on the vanguard of trout health in Montana, particularly in the Big Hole Valley, and they have been seeing trout die at the time of year when water temperatures and flows are optimum, which is concerning. Wade shares with us how they are obtaining samples of trout to send to a lab, and some possible reasons for this problem, and what might be done to address the issue. He also makes it clear that trout fishing in Montana is still awesome and that people should not cancel a trip or not plan a trip. Fishing is still great but we need to perhaps take even more care in releasing fish—and in deciding how many fish to catch in any given day.

In the Fly Box this week, there are some great questions, tips, and comments from listeners, including:

A listener shares with us how he analyzed a problem with his casting and solved the problem.

Are we over-using UV cure resins in our fly tying?

I can't afford new waders and have leaks in my old ones. Should I try to buy a pair of used waders?

When fishing dry flies in lakes, should I twitch the fly or just let it sit?

When aren't all nymph patterns tied on jig hooks?

Why am I missing so many small trout in a local stream?

With the severe flooding in Vermont, how will that affect my fishing when the water drops?

A listener wants to give a shout-out to two generous anglers who gifted him and his wife with a box of flies while they were on their honeymoon on the Henry's Fork.

Good tips on the benefits of a long-handled net

Why am I missing hook sets on my fiberglass rod?

How can I involve my family more in my fly fishing?

Do you have any tips for coiling line so that it does not tangle when I shoot line?

I am moving from DC to Dallas and I know there is no trout fishing around. Are there any fly-fishing opportunities near Dallas?

Foraging along trout streams, with Sam Thayer Jul 14, 2023

I think most stream anglers are interested in foraging, since we're immersed in nature all day long and although we watch for fish and insects and birds, many of us don't pay attention to the plants. And there are many delicious plants along trout streams you can take home for dinner—most of which will be more nutritionally dense than what you buy in the store—and free. If you have done any foraging at all, you have probably read some of more of Sam Thayer's [40:38] books. In our household his books are the primary source. I was lucky enough to spend some time talking to Sam about why foraging along streams is especially good, and what we can expect to find there.

In the Fly Box this week, we have no phone calls but some great questions via e-mail, including:

Why do trout in small streams take flies more readily when the water is high?

Where do you recommend I go trout fishing in the East in July when I visit this summer?

A great story about a listener getting generous advice from a famous angler along a trout river.

A tip for keeping rod sections together using clothespins.

What is the best streamer reel, line, and leader for a 7-weight rod?

What do you do when there is a very heavy hatch and almost too many natural insects?

I am having trouble hooking fish using the hand-over-hand retrieve when striper fishing. What can I do to increase my hooking rate?

What are three things a novice dry-fly angler should pay attention to?

Do you ever tie up dry/dropper rigs at home prior to going fishing?

Will my 8-weight be enough rod for fishing for striped bass from a boat?

What are some tips on picking flies for striped bass fishing at night?

Fishing the Baja surf on foot with Scott Sadil Jun 30, 2023

Scott Sadil [41:39], author and Fly Fishing Editor of Gray’s Sporting Journal, is a pioneer in fishing the surf in Baja, and in his many years of experience he’s learned a ton of valuable tips. Even if you never plan on fishing Baja, you’ll find his advice helpful for finding fish along a wide beach, choosing which flies and tackle to use, and learning new techniques for moving the fly.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some fascinating questions from listeners, including:

I am having trouble casting a size 6 fly with lead eyes on my 5 weight. What can I do to correct this?

I am struggling with my distance casting. Any tips for helping with this, and for fishing large tailwaters?

When I hook panfish and bass along a shoreline, they always head for shore yet carp always swim to deep water. Why?

My Royal Wulffs don't float properly when I drop them in a glass of water. What can I do to help?

What kind of flies and colors do you suggest for fishing the surf in Costa Rica?

How should I dispose of old waders that leak?

Is there one rod I can use for surf fishing, largemouth bass, and streamers for trout?

If you float a river in a canoe of kayak by yourself, how do you get back upstream at the end of the day?

Should I use a 7-weight or 8-weight rod for throwing big streamers for trout?

How should I fish freshwater rivers that are tidal for bass and pike? And how do I get wire onto the end of my leader for the pike?

Why do people use a Bimini Twist? I would think it just pushes the weak spot in a leader further back.

Is bug spray harmful to fish?

If I am hiking into high alpine lakes, should I hike in my wading shoes?

The insidious Nature of Neonic Pesticides, with Michael Miller Jun 23, 2023

Warning—this week's podcast with biologist Michael Miller [36:28] is not exactly uplifting, in fact it's downright depressing. I feel that neonic pesticides are the main reason we have seen dramatic declines of insects on our trout streams and may be even more of a threat to invertebrate populations than climate change. But it is a problem we can remedy more easily than climate change because it's mostly a problem in the United States (Canada and the EU have either banned or greatly restricted their use). I hope this podcast makes all of you take action and raise your voices to get the EPA to ban these dangerous chemicals.

On a happier note, we have some wonderful questions in the Fly Box this week, including:

It's great to hear that Tom gets skunked as often as the rest of us.

Why did I see mayflies when I was a mile from the nearest stream?

Do bright fly lines spook fish?

Why were fish slashing at my streamer without me hooking them?

I am having problems casting a 15-foot leader

Where should I take my sons fishing in the Bozeman/Livingston area if I can't afford a guide?

If I hook a fish deep in its throat, should I try to get the fly out or cut the tippet?

Can I get closer to fish in a riffle?

What are Tom's top 5 trout flies?

I am losing a lot of fish on my 10-foot 3-weight rod. What should I do differently? Where do big trout tend to live in a river?

If I am catching just small fish will there be any big fish around?

I can't get my floating line to float well, even after cleaning it. What can I do?

15 Tips for Fishing Emergers, with Pat Dorsey Jun 16, 2023

OK, I lied. There aren't 15 tips. There are probably more and if you want to count them up you can e-mail me and correct my mistake. But I get a lot of questions about fishing emergers, and I thought a podcast on how to identify when fish are taking emergers and how to fish them would be welcome. Not only that, world-famous and beloved fishing guide and author Pat Dorsey [36:05] gives us his favorite fly patterns for fishing emergers including a couple secret ones.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some thoughtful questions and a few tips from listeners, including:

A great tip on casting with your non-dominant hand

Will wildfire smoke affect trout populations?

If I hear there are native brook trout in a stream, how do I find out where they are?

A nice tip on untangling snarls of fly line.

Bigger brook trout started taking my nymphs on the swing instead of dead-drifted.

How should I take advantage of this next time?

How much of an incline in a small mountain stream can trout survive?

A listener was disappointed in my podcast with John Gierach because we did not discuss how anglers can have a positive impact on climate change.

Two listeners want to know what type of floating line to put on their Euro rods when they switch to dry flies.

Why are some articulated streamers tied with the hook down and why are some tied with the hook up?

I have a busy life. Am I missing opportunities by not tying my own flies?

Brown trout are invasive in my cutthroat stream. Should I take them home to eat them, or just kill them and throw them up on the bank?

Is it ethical to back and fish a place on my own if a guide showed me the spot?

I have heard if you cut the welded loop off a fly line you can't use it any more because it will absorb water. Is this true?

The making of "Mending the Line", with Joshua Caldwell Jun 09, 2023

This week my guest is Joshua Caldwell [32:30], director of the new movie (premiering in theaters today) "Mending the Line", about a combat veteran with PTSD who works his way back into society with the help of a fly fishing curmudgeon. The movie stars Sinqua Walls, Perry Mattfeld, and Brian Cox as the old curmudgeon (of course). It's a story that could easily fall into cliche but I found it to be heartwarming and compelling, and the casting is excellent. Joshua talks about the trials and tribulations of making the movie in a short time frame, challenged by tough weather. It's a fascinating peak behind the curtains of an independent film.

In the Fly Box this week we have the following questions and helpful tips:

What is your opinion of an approved IGFA leader for tarpon as opposed to using straight 60- or 80-pound leader?

I am having trouble with the partridge hackle on size 20 soft hackle wets. Can you help?

How much time should I spend in each little pocket when bluelining?

I have a Recon Saltwater 7 and I want to get a 7-weight freshwater version. How much difference is there between the two?

Will a black bottom on my boat spook fish in shallow water?

A great letter from a fly fisher in Switzerland detailing how to negotiate the tricky fishing regulations in his country

Can I use a tippet ring with different tippet sizes, even ones that are quite different in diameter?

Do stocked trout move as much as a mile, or do they stay close to where they are stocked?

How to practice your fly casting, with Pete Kutzer Jun 02, 2023

The better your casting, the more and fun you'll have and the more relaxed you'll be on the water. Pete Kutzer [46:13] is one of the finest casting instructors in the world, and not only that he's one of the finest anglers you meet, which means he teaches casting as a means to have more enjoyable fishing so he's pragmatic and flexible. He practices casting himself almost every day, and he gives us hints on how to practice at home no matter what kind of fishing you end up doing. You'll be glad you did—and so will your guide if you hire one.

I n the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and helpful tips from listeners, including:

I need a rod for bass fishing as well as throwing streamers for trout. I only have light trout rods. Which rod should I choose?

What is a competition hook and how does it differ from a regular hook?

A good tip on how to make matte beads from shiny gold ones without painting or markers

I know you should not go more than .002" difference when knotting on a tippet. Can I get away from bigger differences in heavy butt material?

I have been fly fishing for 35 years and am looking for a more advanced course. Where should I go?

Do you know anything about fishing in Switzerland?

How can I target carp in dirty water?

I am going Atlantic salmon fishing in Norway. Can I use a single-handed rod even though most people use two-handers?

A tip from a listener on always mashing down the barbs of hooks when fishing with kids.

My line gets twisted when I fish with a dry/dropper arrangement. Is there any way to lessen this?

My tungsten beads crack when I hit my back cast on rocks behind me. Are there beads that are more durable than tungsten?

How can I fish the tails of pools in small streams without getting drag?

I can't get redfish running a surf line to eat my flies. Any suggestions?

Jacks are Better, with RA Beattie May 26, 2023

Jacks are an under-rated gamefish and under-utilized resource. They take a fly aggressively, fight harder than most other saltwater gamefish, and are common in most warmer saltwater ecosystems. Yet most anglers, and most guides, pass them up on the way to chasing the glamor species like bonefish, permit, or tarpon. They're missing a lot of fun. RA Beattie [34:28] is a talented film maker who regularly has films in the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) (International Fly Fishing Film Festival® - IF4™ (flyfilmfest.com) and his spectacular film, produced by RA and Jako Lucas, called "Jacks", is currently on tour with the festival. He talks about making fly-fishing films, and also his love of fishing for jacks.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some fun questions and helpful tips from listeners, including:

Where can I learn Spey casting in preparation for a trip I'm taking?

I saw some large brown trout chasing shiners in the shallows. What fly pattern and tactics should I use?

I keep missing strikes on a balanced leech under an indicator. What am I doing wrong?

Great suggestions from a listener on how to train a dog to be a good streamside companion.

Why am I having problems with short casts on my 9-foot 5-weight rod?

Driving in Alberta, I see a lot of nice-looking rivers along the road. How can I tell if they have fish in them?

What other patterns should I try those cool wing cases made from saddle hackles I see on the Tom Rosenbauer's Deep Caddis Pupa?

A great tip from a listener on a special material for organizing your fly-tying bench. Where can I find flies with black beads?

A tip from a listener on how to keep cool while fishing during the summer in the deep South.

Why do I catch big wild rainbows in one pool and only smaller ones in the next pool downstream?

Any suggestions for setting the hook on brook trout in a very tight stream

Fishing through climate change, with John Gierach May 19, 2023

Our climate is changing, and regardless of whether you think it's human caused or natural it is changing. If you don't believe that you need to get outside more. John Gierach [58:00], thoughtful guy that he is, wanted to talk about this subject and how he deals with changes that have happened in his lifetime, and what we can all do to deal with climate change and still enjoy fly fishing, because as he says "we still gotta live" and to some of us fly fishing is life. I

n the Fly Box this week we have lots of questions, many of them quite basic but still fun to answer because you can always give them a new twist.

What is the best rig to catch trout with worms? (I hope he meant worm flies and not real worms)

What can I do to keep my Depth Charge line from tangling?

I am moving to Texas and want one rod for inland bass and one for inshore saltwater. Is there one outfit that can do this?

Am I better off buying one high-end rod or several lower priced rods if I fish in a variety of trout situations?

Can you overline bamboo and fiberglass fly rods?

I have a dog that likes to chase rocks and sticks.

Any tips on how to train a dog to be a good fishing companion?

Is there any way to tell a trout rise from a chub rise?

I am confused by fly line numbers and hook numbers. Can you explain them?

What do fish deep in a lake take my Pat's Rubber Legs fished quickly? What do the fish think it is?

How do you fish your Rabbit's Foot Emerger patterns?

What do I do with my rod when tying on a new fly or landing a fish?

Is there a better knot than a clinch knot for tying on size 18 to 22 flies?

My welded loop has cuts in it. What can I do to fix that?

What kind of dry/dropper arrangement do you use when there is nothing visibly hatching?

A good tip from a listener on walking the banks of your favorite rivers in low water to get a sense for the bottom structure.

Can you tell the difference between a male and female trout by looking at the anal fin?

All about western caddisfly hatches, with M.E. Sorci May 12, 2023

A few weeks ago we did a podcast on eastern caddis hatches and I promised to get an expert on western hatches. ME Sorci [43:40] is a student of entomology, a guide, fly fisher, and manager of Orvis Jackson Hole. You can tell by her enthusiasm in the podcast that she thinks caddisflies are fascinating, and she gives us some great tips on when, where, and how to fish these prolific hatches. I learned a lot on this podcast and you will, too.

In the Fly Box this week we have some interesting and unusual questions as well as tips from listeners, including:

How do I fish short, fast, deep plunge pools with streamers and what line should I use?

What tips do you have for fighting a big fish when it runs downstream?

Should I fish a 12-foot leader when bluelining? Can an old cork handle on an Orvis bamboo fly rod be repaired?

What line should I put on my 10-foot, 3-weight rod for fishing dry flies?

Why don't we use other feathers from peacocks besides the eyed tails?

Where can I find something that shows me pictures of saltwater prey so I can imitate them?

Should I change tactics when fishing at sunrise and sunset?

So I don't transfer invasive species how can I tell good algae from bad algae?

Is it possible to put too much hackle on a dry fly?

Why do we use dubbed bodies on dry flies?

Why causes a dry fly to not sit properly on the water?

I put small glass beads on my dry flies so I don't crowd the head. Do you think this is a good idea?

Where would Tom like to live (for fishing reasons) if he didn't live in Vermont?

How to swing soft hackle wets, with Steve Culton May 05, 2023

Swinging wet flies, specifically soft hackle flies, is an often misunderstood method of fishing and many people try it but give up when it doesn't seem to work. But it's an elegant, relaxing, and fun way to cover a lot of water and probably the oldest way to fish for trout. There are some tips to rigging and fishing soft hackles, and wet fly expert Steve Culton [42:39] shares some great tips with us this week.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and great tips from listeners, including:

With the high water in Utah this spring, should I try to fish rivers or stick to lakes? And what flies should I use?

For float fishing smaller streams for bass, should I get a small raft or a kayak? Would it be better to use a double taper or weight forward line for small streams?

Are fly rod actions and recommended line sizes consistent across manufacturers?

Two great tips from listeners for getting the fly line out of your guides when you start fishing. At what point should I give up repairing my waders?

How should I fish a river that alternates between rocky rivers and slow, mucky pools?

Should I change techniques when going from one type of water to another?

When should I switch from a nymph to a dry in early season?

How can I prevent fish taking streamers form getting foul hooked?

Should I fish a pool with a nymph or streamer first?

Why did I see few fishing rising in an afternoon hatch and many more fish rising in the evening?

Where should I go to catch bonefish, tarpon, and roosterfish from shore without a guide?

I want to start guiding for striped bass. Where should I start?

How to buy a trout stream, with Josh Kling -fixed- Apr 28, 2023

No, I am not talking about buying a trout stream and locking it up in a private club. I am talking about buying a piece of a trout stream, fixing (basically rewilding) the habitat, and then ensuring public access on the water for perpetuity. That's what the good folks at Western Rivers Conservancy do, and in this week's podcast I talk to Josh Kling [45:30], their conservation director, about projects they have on the Yakima and Big Hole rivers—two rivers treasured by fly fishers and in need of help.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including:

I fished a 5-weight line on my 10-foot 3-weight rod and liked it. Is there anything wrong with this?

I foul-hooked a couple fish when using a dry dropper. Is there a way to avoid this?

A good tip from a listener on getting the line to leader connection out of your rod tip by using the current.

If I use a kayak for accessing wade fishing, should I park at the head of a pool and fish downstream or should I park at the tail and fish upstream?

How should I fish deep, slow-moving pools with a mud bottom?

Where in the US should I go on a fishing trip with my father?

Why are fly rod grips from different manufacturers so different?

I impacted my rod with a heavy bead-head fly. How should I inspect it to look for damage?

A great tip for attaching the leader to a fly line when using a mono rig. When did fly fishers first use backing on fly reels?

Can I throw big flies, as large as a 5/0, on my 8-weight rod?

What flies should I use for spawning carp?

How do I tell if a bass is on a bed and spawning as opposed to chasing bait?

Why did fish strike my Prince nymph when I stripped it and not on a dead drift?

Are rods getting stiffer and fly lines getting heavier?

Great things happening in the world of trout, with Chris Wood Apr 21, 2023

There's some real positive news in the world of trout these days, from the mitigation of acid mine drainage in wild trout streams to replacement of perched culverts to an unprecedented funding opportunity for habitat projects. Chris Wood [38:36], president and CEO of Trout Unlimited, takes us through some ongoing and upcoming projects that have him excited and optimistic.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some very helpful tips and interesting questions from listeners, including:

I want to sell some of my flies. Should I start an online store or go through a local fly shop?

Why don't light-colored flies like the Light Cahill work in my streams? I

s there a database of older Orvis rods?

Brown trout from a larger river spawn in a tributary that holds a good population of native brook trout. Should I feel bad about fishing for those spawning brown trout?

For a small stream fly rod, I am looking at a 10-foot 3-weight and a 7 ½ foot 3-weight. Which should I choose?

How do you keep the body thin when tying a Comparadun or Sparkle Dun?

I fish small streams with tricky current. When it gets windy, should I fish a longer or shorter leader?

The trout got active when the wind blew some seeds into the water. Is that typical?

A great tip from a listener on using a balanced leech and an indicator in plunge pools.

My friend just fishes Clouser Minnows and outfishes me when I use my fancier Game Changers and Dahlberg Divers. Am I wrong to be wasting my time on these more complicated patterns?

What is the best way to get the leader knot out of the guides before you start fishing?

What recommendations do you have for fly fishing for crappie?

A terrific tip from a listener on a different way to rig a dry dropper.

How do I feel about yarn flies for gar and egg flies for carp?

I want to replace my fluorocarbon with nylon. Will I notice the difference?

15 Years Ago Today - Reading the Water Apr 17, 2023

Hey folks! This is Jamie, I produce The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast with Tom Rosenbauer. Today is the 15th anniversary if the show and to celebrate we are running the first episode that was published on April 17, 2008. It's short! Only 5 minutes or so.

We weren't sure if anyone would listen. Twenty-one million downloads later, we know you are listening, and more importantly, contributing to the show.

Thank you for all you have done to make this a real joy to be a part of, and thank you to Tom Rosenbauer for letting me be a part of it.

Let's do another 15!

The Future of Bristol Bay, with Nelli Williams Apr 15, 2023

Champions of clean water and an intact ecosystem have a lot to celebrate with our recent victory in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska. But this ruling only protects a relatively small part of Bristol Bay, which is a huge body of water. Nelli Williams [33:34] from Trout Unlimited Alaska, a veteran of this battle, gives us her perspective on what has been protected, what remains to be protected, and what we should all be vigilant about in this magnificent watershed. It's a feel-good story but a reminder that we need to keep our eyes and ears open in the future.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions—and some phone calls that seemed to have come out of the woodwork!

How do I narrow my efforts in fly tying so I don't end up with 10 fly boxes?

A great tip from a listener on another way to separate stuck rod sections

What do people mean by a "technical" trout stream?

A bunch of great tips for fly fishing from a canoe from two different listeners

A tip from a listener on using deer hair instead of elk when tying small Elk Wing Caddis dry flies

What kind of fly-fishing questions are reasonable to ask from an AI chat? And is this ethical?

A great tip for fly tiers for keeping the hook eye open when finishing the head of a fly Where do I put the studs in my new Orvis Hybrid Wading Shoes?

The Science behind the Everglades Storage Reservoir, with Steve Davis Apr 07, 2023

This week begins a month of habitat/conservation podcasts as a celebration of Earth Month. We start the series off with Steve Davis [43:25], Chief Science Officer for the Everglades Foundation, and instead of talking about the boring aspects of Everglades Restoration like funding and politics we're delving deep into the science of how the water will be stored and cleaned, which plants aid in the cleanup, and how this process will aid in more fresh water to Florida Bay and the Everglades, and less polluted fresh water to estuaries on both coasts of Florida. We'll also talk about immediate benefits, but also how it will take seven years to completely fill the reservoir. And yes, we will talk about fly fishing topics this month in the Fly Box.

This week we have some great tips and questions, including:

I have a 5-weight, 6-weight, and 10-weight rod for fishing in the Mississippi. I may be catching fish up to 20 pounds. Do you think an 8-weight will handle them?

Three great tips from a listener on fishing from a canoe.

Is there a database where I can plug in the fly-tying materials I have and have it tell me what fly patterns I can tie?

What flies can I use India hen backs on?

I have trouble with my back cast hitting the water when I wade waist deep. How can I correct this problem?

I have been stumped by fish rising once and then not rising again for a long time. What are these fish doing and how can I target them?

What are your thoughts on intermediate lines for tarpon? Should I get tarpon flies in bigger hooks like 3/0 to 5/0?

Will a bit of bucktail under my pine squirrel streamers help to keep them from fouling?

A listener asked a bunch of specific fishing questions to a chat bot for a trip he was going to take to Grand Lake Stream in Maine and asked me to critique the answers he received.

How should I kill and keep the occasional stocked fish I want to eat?

If you see a nymph in the water that you want to imitate, how would you go about creating a pattern to match it?

Are hooks trending to shorter shanks and wider gaps? Is this a good thing?

Great tips on canoe fishing, with Perk Perkins Mar 31, 2023

I did a podcast a few weeks ago that was billed as a canoe and kayak podcast but my guest and I spent a lot of time on Kayaks and not much on canoes. Some of you took me to task and asked for more information on fly fishing from canoes, so I asked retired president and CEO of Orvis, Perk Perkins [49:06], to share his tips with us. Perk fishes from a canoe more than anyone else I know, and has been using these craft all his life. He gives us some great tips on making fly fishing from a canoe more fun and productive.

In the fly box this week, we have some fascinating questions from listeners, including:

Should l I use a double taper or weight forward line on my small stream rod?

If you fish barbless dry flies with a dry/dropper rig, won't the knot slip off the hook?

What can I do to lessen my shoulder involvement in casting?

I have severe arthritis in my right shoulder. Should I learn to cast left-handed?

Do tippet rings make tying on a dropper less fussy? Won't the fish see a tippet ring?

What is your opinion on attractor patterns?

What do you think of UV resins and tying materials?

If I want to fish a leader with a light butt section, what diameter should the permanent loop be on my fly line? The permanent loop on my fly line got damaged.

My fly line says "cold to moderate temperatures". Can I also use this line for fishing for bass during the summer?

Do flies need to be perfect and symmetrical? I

s road kill of any use in fly tying?

We were catching hickory shad on spoons we made using Krystal Flash and UV resin. People told us we weren't fly fishing.

What's your take on flies that aren't really "flies"?

How are fly rods most often broken?

What rod do I need to make my mono rig work better?

I see many color variations in pre-made dubbing blends, for instance one March Brown dubbing is brown and another one is light tan. Do insects vary in color? Does color even make a difference?

All about the mono rig, with Dom Swentosky Mar 24, 2023

This week, my guest is Dom Swentosky of the Troutbitten blog [33:16], podcast, and guide service. If you have not seen his stuff it's definitely one of the most informative and thoughtful fly-fishing blogs out there. Dom devotes a lot of his blog to the mono rig, which is sorta like Euro-nymphing in that it uses a long leader and no fly line, but it's more of a method for everyday anglers than pure Euro nymphing, which is based on competitive rules that prohibit things like split shot. Dom goes through why it is such an effective method, how he builds his leaders, and how he presents his flies this way. It's just one more thing to try if you're interested in new ways of using a fly rod.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some helpful tips from listeners and an assortment of questions from rigging to watercraft to fly tying, including:

If I am using a drop-shot rig with a single nymph, can I just tie the weight on a long tag from the clinch knot I use to tie on my fly?

What is your opinion of traditional Catskill-style dry flies?

Could spawning affect a trout's diet?

In your canoe and kayak podcast, you didn't say enough about canoes. If I want to use my canoe for fly fishing, what considerations should I have? And should I put a trolling motor on my canoe?

I have a stream nearby that has nice gravel, cold water, deep pools, and nice riffles. I have not caught any trout there. How can I find out if trout even live there?

A great tip from a listener for finding tiny leaks in waders

Do trout use shelf ice as cover?

A listener suggests the float tube as a great option in the inflatable category, which I did not mention in my recent podcast on inflatables.

A great tip from a listener on how to cover up items in a boat that could snag your fly line.

When do you switch from a floating to a sinking line in streams?

A great tip from a listener on using forceps to hold tiny flies when tying them on.

I am looking at monofilament thread. What is the difference between 6/0 and G size, and where did the G designation come from? And is there any application in tying freshwater flies with monofilament thread?

All about inflatable watercraft, with Mike Dolmage from NRS Mar 17, 2023

This week, we delve into the confusing world of inflatable watercraft. There are so many styles to choose from, including SUPs, kayaks, and rafts. Which are best for fly fishing? What are some tips on how to fish from one? How do you handle anchoring and paddling while being ready to make a cast? Regardless of which type you choose, they are lightweight and packable (except for the larger rafts) and they'll get you into places where drift boats and motorboats can't go. Mike Dolmage is a fly fishing fanatic and is in charge of marketing fishing craft for NRS so his knowledge will help you make an informed decision and give you some tips on fishing from your inflatable.

In the Fly Box this week, I try to answer some easy and difficult questions. Some of the questions include:

Would you recommend a Power Taper or Bank Shot fly line for fishing for largemouth bass form shore?

How can I catch striped bass on the Hudson River?

I have a 6- and an 8-weight rod and I want to streamer fish in Montana. Do I need a 7-weight?

How can I get permission to fish private land when bluelining?

I am catching big trout on nymphs and want to get a rod longer than 9 feet. Can I fish Euro-style and still land big trout on a 10-foot 3-weight, or should I look at a 10-foot 4-weight or 5-weight?

How long do you think is too long to play a trout?

Can I use a sinking Polyleader with an intermediate line?

How do you fish attractor flies?

Do I just throw one out there or should I pay more attention to hatches?

What line should I get for tarpon fishing with my 11-weight rod?

Do brown and rainbow trout have different feeding strategies?

Is there a sinking fly line I can use with both streamers and nymphs?

Fly fishing from canoes and kayaks with Ryan Lilly of Old Town Canoe Mar 10, 2023

Learn how to decide between a canoe and a kayak, what kind to get, and how to maneuver and cast using these hard-sided watercraft (next week I'll be doing a podcast on inflatables). Ryan Lilly [47:30] is a fly fisher and Old Town's expert on fishing from these craft, and has many great suggestions for how to make the most out of your canoe or kayak experience.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions that I'm sure will be of interest to many of you, as well as some thoughtful tips from other listeners, including:

What do bead-head nymphs imitate?

Aren't flies tied without beads more natural in the water?

Isn't it more natural to use a nymph without any added weight?

How do you fish wet flies?

Do you use a single one or more than one? And do you ever use weighted wet flies?

I recently saw a bunch of large carp in a pond in Florida. Why didn't I see any smaller ones?

I had trouble getting a good drift against the slow water on the far bank of a river. Every time I tried to mend my line the small dry fly sank. What else could I have done?

Can I fish two dry flies at once?

A suggestion from a listener on why upgrading from an entry level fly line is a wise investment.

Are there any performance differences between a 6-piece rod and a 4-piece rod?

How can I get an extra tip for my Orvis rod?

A great tip from a listener on how to make a device to hold scrap pieces of tippet using two pieces of Velcro.

I am going to a place where they have stocked golden rainbows. Do these fish behave any differently from normal rainbows?

Can I use a Poly Leader for tarpon?

Is there any difference between up-eye and down-eye hooks?

A tip from a listener on how to change thread colors with a permanent marker.

A tip from a listener on how to keep a partially used tube of Aquaseal stay fresh.

Why do people hold bass by the jaw? I have heard that this can dislocate their jaw.

I am taking my first guided trip. Should I do a float trip or a walk/wade trip?

A life in fly fishing, with Tom McGuane. Mar 03, 2023

Back in 2008 when I first began this podcast I had two dreams—that I would have my two literary heros, John McPhee and Thomas McGuane as guests (they are both passionate fly fishers). I was lucky enough to record a podcast with John in August of 2021 and this week's podcast is with Tom McGuane [44:36], author of 20 highly regarded novels, screenplays, collections of short stories, and what is in my opinion the finest book of fly-fishing essays ever written, The Longest Silence. Most people who interview Tom want to talk about his crazy days in Key West in the 1970s, , fishing for tarpon with Jim Harrison, Guy de la Valdene, Jimmy Buffet, and other notable characters. However, in the podcast we talk about what he is doing now—his fascination with small-stream trout fishing, why he would rather wade than fish from a boat, his opinion on guides who yell at their clients, and how to grow old gracefully and still continue to fish with a fly rod. It was a real honor to chat with him and I know you'll enjoy this very special podcast.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some wonderful and thought-provoking questions and tips form listeners, including:

What is that white rod that Pete Kutzer uses in your casting videos?

Is there a written history of Orvis?

What is the best reel lubricant, and how should I maintain my cork drag surface?

Can dumbbell eyes damage fly rods? If so, what should I do to keep flies tied with them from hitting my rod?

Do trout eat those little black and brown stoneflies that hatch during the winter and early spring?

Can you explain when I would use weighted flies vs. split shot vs. poly leaders when fishing nymphs?

Can you compare the relative advantages of the 10 1/2-foot 3-weight and the 11-foot 3-weight Blackout rod?

I saw people catching fish on nymphs. I tried exactly the same patterns and didn't catch anything. Why?

I have a reel that takes a 9-weight line. Can I get an extra spool and put it on my 7-weight rod?

Why am I not catching anything when fishing nymphs in the winter?

Great tips from a world traveler on taking your vaccination records with you, and warnings about carrying gear when traveling to Mexico or New Zealand.

What environmental cues will tell you when specific flies are hatching?

Is it true that emerger patterns are more effective when they look messy?

How do you explain when trout take smaller insects and ignore bigger ones?

The life cycle of caddisflies, with Thomas Ames Feb 24, 2023

This week, we go into great detail about the life cycle of caddisflies and the various species found in the eastern United States. Tom Ames [33:05], author of the book Caddisflies is my guest and although we go into great detail on the various types of caddisflies, don't let it overwhelm you, as imitating these insects is merely a matter of observing what stage of their life cycle is present and what the trout are eating. It's not something you can predict in advance—you need to arrive at the river and then figure out the puzzle by your powers of observation. But this podcast does get geeky so be prepared!

Our Fly Box questions this week are much more basic, a good counterbalance to our discussion of caddisflies. Questions and tips include:

I want to go beyond my typical attractor patterns and match some hatches. What basic flies do you recommend?

A great tip from a listener on fixing rough fingertips for fly tying

Tom's thoughts on the Murdich Minnow fly

What three lines should I get for fishing lakes?

Why don't more people wear PFDs?

What color of Clouser Minnows should I get for smallmouth bass?

Can I tie my second Euro nymph fly onto the bend of the other fly, or can I leave a tag end long on the knot to the first fly and use that?

Several rod selection questions

Can I double haul with my bamboo fly rod?

Is it a good idea to pinch the line against the cork to put added pressure on a running fish?

Tips from a listener on wearing felt boots on a trail and drying out wading boots.

What rod is best for practicing my casting skills?

Traveling with fly-fishing gear, with Seth Berger Feb 17, 2023

This week is my guest Seth Berger [1:00:18], Fly Fishing Travel Specialist with Orvis Adventures. In his job, Seth visits Orvis-endorsed operations around the world and always packs his fishing gear, so he's a great resource for advising us how to travel with rods, waders, and flies—how to pack them, what to carry on, and pitfalls you should avoid. Seth also talks about what to pack, and items that are often forgotten or ignored by traveling anglers. Anyone who gets on a plane, whether it's a short hop or an international flight, will benefit from his knowledge.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and comment that run the gamut of the fly-fishing experience, including:

A listener who recommends the mono rig method, which is different from the standard Euro nymphing setup. And tries to tell me 20lb. mono casts just as easily as fly line (I'm not buying it)

Why not put a tippet ring on the end of a poly leader? I've used straight monofilament for a leader for bass and bream.

Why do I need a tapered leader, and do I need tippet?

When you fish two dry flies, what should the distance between them be?

Do I need to learn entomology to pick flies?

Is there any difference between picking flies for small streams vs. bigger rivers?

What do you look for to help you choose a fly?

Can I fish steelhead with my 9-foot 5-weight rod?

Is it true that lighter lines cast better in the wind because they have less air resistance?

Have you ever fished with just a bead on a hook?

Some great suggestions from a listener on how to keep fly tying materials away from young children.

I am coming from Korea to the US. Will I have problems brining flies and fly tying materials into the country?

Have you ever tried wiggle nymphs?

Why do Euro nymphers stand in the water and make short upstream casts while people with conventional lines try to fish as far away as possible?

Why don't we see a lot of blue streamers?

How deep can I effectively fish with a fly rod?

How can I tie patterns with partridge feathers smaller than size 16?

Louisiana Redfish Secrets, with Capt. Pete Scafaru Feb 10, 2023

Capt. Pete Scafaru [32:53] is a new Orvis-endorsed guide in New Orleans (he's not new at guiding, just new to the Orvis program), and he shares his vast experience on what to expect at different times of the season, how to present the fly, and how to target redfish in shallow water. Regardless of where you fish for redfish, his tips will be valuable.

In the Fly Box, we have some questions and tips that I think will be of interest to all fly fishers, including:

What tips or tricks do you have for an older angler who has problems threading small flies?

A tip from a listener about how he attaches a dropper nymph to his tippet with a clinch knot so he can change either fly without re-tying both flies.

A tip from a listener on how to estimate measurements using parts of your arms and fingers.

Why does Orvis not sell a 7-weight Superfine Glass fly rod?

Do you ever use indicators when fishing nymphs on small mountain brook trout streams?

Can I fish soft hackles during the winter?

Why are people so nasty when I post fly-tying videos on social media? Do you get those kinds of comments in the podcast mailbox?

Does it matter where I put my wing case on Perdigon nymphs, and why are some Perdigons relatively fat? I thought "thin for the win" was the mantra for these flies.

Why would people throw streamers on Euro-nymphing rods?

I bought an old 7½-foot, 6-weight Madison bamboo fly rod. Will this be better with a 5- or 6-weight line, and will it be OK for general trout fishing?

Getting your kids into fly fishing, with Joshua Simmons Feb 03, 2023

This week, my guest is Joshua Simmons [44:00], who with his brother Caleb hosts the podcast "Dads on the Fly". (It's not just for dads, it's for moms and families as well, but they just both happen to be dads and brothers who wanted to give back to the world of fly fishing.) In their podcast they explore the ways families can get together through fly fishing, and have talked to many people across the country about this subject, so Joshua has a lot to share from his conversations and research. If you have always wanted to bring your family together in fly fishing, you'll pick up some great suggestions.

In the Fly Box this week, we have an eclectic mix of suggestions and questions, including:

Why do I have trouble mixing my dubbing in an old coffee grinder? It comes out like rope. I

have trouble tying with a hackle cape with thick stems. What can I do?

I have trouble hooking steelhead. What am I doing wrong?

A comment from a listener on the growing movement that helps fish and game departments protect all aquatic species, not just gamefish and game animals.

How can I practice casting before my next bonefish trip?

What footwear do you recommend for wading the flats?

It seems like I can get closer to bonefish wading that from a boat. Is that usually the case?

I have a new baby coming. How can I childproof my tying area?

Phil Rowley says that eutrophic lakes offer the best trout fishing, but all the eutrophic lakes I fish in New Hampshire are too warm for trout. Why the disconnect?

Someone told me to switch from left-hand wind to right-hand wind when I go saltwater fishing (I am right-handed). Should I heed their advice?

Why don't more fly anglers wear a PFD?

If Tom had one final trip, where would he go?

A great tip from a listener on pre-rigging flies at home

I can't cast a Euro rig with my 905 rod. Should I invest in a specific Euro nymphing rod and what will it give me that my current rod does not?

Winter fishing tips from an award-winning guide, with Chip Swanson Jan 27, 2023

This week, since we have not had any hard-core fishing podcasts in awhile, I thought I would give you all some tips on winter fly fishing with Chip Swanson [40:09] of Breckenridge Outfitters in Colorado. Chip won the Orvis-Endorsed Freshwater Guide of the Year in 2019 for good reason. He's fun, patient, superbly knowledgeable, and a terrific teacher. He also does a lot of fishing and guiding throughout the winter, no matter what the weather. He has some great tips on staying warm, techniques to use, and what conditions are best for winter fly fishing.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some especially helpful tips from listeners as well as some questions that will be helpful to many fly fishers, including:

Is using a scented fly for sturgeon not fly fishing? And do you have any tips for catching these giants on a fly rod?

I am having trouble casting a double nymph rig plus split shot and an indicator. What casting advice do you have?

When is water too cold to try a dry dropper rig?

Some good advice from a listener on kneeling instead of sitting in a canoe for easier casting

A fly shop owner told me not to fish a local river because the flows were too low. Why is this bad in the winter when oxygen levels are higher?

How can I use online product reviews to inform my tackle purchases?

Which ones are the most reliable? What should I look for in a pedestal for my vise?

What are Tom's top 10 fly tying materials for fresh and salt water? What is Tom tying right now?

Great advice from a listener on kayak fishing and first aid kits for fishing trips

How long will it take my local river to recover after severe wildfires last year?

What can I use to hold those tippet scraps I want to dispose of?

The Clean Water Act, with Tom Kiernan of American Rivers Jan 20, 2023

This week, my guest is Tom Kiernan [38:50], President and CEO of American Rivers, an organization Orvis supports and endorses highly for the world-class work they do to protect our rivers. I wanted to explore the ins and outs of the Clean Water Act, one of the most important pieces of legislation of the 20th century. I think it's important that anyone who enjoys time on the water understands just what it has done for us, and what it can do in the future.

In the Fly Box this week, as usual we have some thought-provoking questions, including:

What kind of personal watercraft do you recommend for lakes and slow-moving rivers?

Is the abdomen of a natural insect the only important thing to imitate?

What do you prefer when fishing, a rain jacket or a wading jacket?

If I can't use weighted flies because of regulations, how can I sink my nymph?

What's the difference between a nail knot and a loop-to-loop connection?

Is there a time when one is better than another?

How do I keep the bodies on my big foam flies from twisting around the hook?

What do you do with your rod when landing a fish?

What is a Bimini twist used for?

When do you know that a fish is too much for the rod you are using?

A great tip from a listener on how to teach kids to tie flies without using a sharp hook.

If there are people swimming in a small mountain brook, how far away will the fish be spooked?

Are mayflies in trouble? with Robert O'Harrow Jan 13, 2023

This week my guest is award-winning investigative journalist Robert O'Harrow [44:45], who has been with the Washington Post for over 30 years. Last fall he wrote an extensive article on the threats to mayfly populations worldwide and is continuing to research this issue, so I thought it would be interesting to share his findings. Bob is also a lifelong fly fisher who admits he didn't know a lot about the plight of mayflies in the past, so he gives us a great perspective.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and phone calls, including:

What is a good net for wade fishing when pursuing multiple species?

I recently caught a bunch of large trout in a river but no small ones. Where do the small ones go?

Can a "working fly box" apply to non-competition anglers as well?

What does Tim Flagler use to cut his thread on his videos?

I am a beginning fly fisher and the trout in the larger rivers in my area are difficult to catch. Should I first concentrate on small streams, ponds, or reservoirs?

What is the best way to give a fish line when it's running without giving it too much slack?

Is it a good idea to put UV resin over my nail knots?

How do you determine how deep the water is so you can set the indicator at 1 ½ times the water depth?

I keep getting crowded by other anglers on Colorado rivers. Should I try to educate them?

I lost a big fish by following it downstream.

My buddy says I should have stood my ground and not followed the fish. What do you think?

Do you think it's a bad idea to use beard trimmings in my dubbing to imitate hare's ear?

Tips on landing and netting fish, with Jesse Haller Jan 06, 2023

This week, my guest is Orvis product developer Jesse Haller [43:48], who besides being responsible for products like nets, wading shoes, and fishing packs and vests spent many years as a fishing guide. Jesse discusses how to pick the right net, some cool tips and carrying a net, how to plan your netting before you get a fish close to you, how to get the fish in the net with a minimum of fuss—and some great tips on releasing the fish you've caught.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some fascinating questions and some helpful tips from listeners, including:

Do you think it's a good idea to blacken your tippet close to the fly with a sharpie?

What conditions decide whether you should fish a large or a small streamer for bass?

A listener has a conundrum about booking a guide who used to work for another outfitter.

Some great tips from a listener about safety when bluelining in the Smokies.

What advice do you have for fishing out of a canoe? I have trouble finding trout in larger rivers, coming from a small stream background. What should I do?

Where can I find trout in winter?

What should I do about families with kids throwing rocks in the water when I am fishing?

How can I fish small midge emergers just under the surface?

During a heavy hatch, is it better to look for an individual fish or prospect a likely seam or run?

A great tip on a device for letting people know where you are when fishing the back country.

If I am running multiple midge nymphs, should I use a light or heavy tippet?

What is the best beginner outfit for saltwater fly fishing?

Tips for blue lining, with Ian Rutter Dec 30, 2022

Ian Rutter [43:06] is a long-time guide in the Smokies and one of our top field testers. He specializes in small mountain creeks (as well as their local tailwaters) and because I have had numerous requests for a podcast on "Blue-lining" I wanted to get him on to get the views from someone who does this in the heart of wild mountain brook trout country. For those of you who don't know the term, blue-lining refers to looking for new small trout water on a map and then exploring it to see what it holds. It's part hiking, part fioshing, and part discovery.

In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of tackle questions, some good tips from listeners, and some other technique related questions.

I was gifted a Helios 3 906F. What reel do you recommend for it?

I have a 7 ½ foot rod for panfish, a 4-weight for trout, and an 8-weight for steelhead and stripers. I want to fish streamers, redfish, and corbina. Should I get a 6-weight for that?

I have a Recon 10 foot 4-weight and a Blackout 11 foot 3-weight for Euro nymphing. What rod would you recommend for a standard trout rod for bigger rivers?

Can I catch smallmouth bass in stained water with trout techniques like big dries or a dry-dropper rig?

I have the opportunity to make my own bamboo rod. What length and line size do you recommend for small to medium0sized rivers? I listened to your podcast recommending a touch of parrafin on loose ferrules and thought I would do it later. On my next trip I broke my rod because of a loose ferrule and realized I should not have put it off. I see all these videos of people sight-fishing for trout but I almost never see them in the water myself. Should I practice spotting trout or is there something else I should do?

After reading the book Lords of the Fly by Monte Burke I decided I never want to fish for tarpon. And what do you think of guides who "discover" a spot and then claim it as their own and push other people out?

What is Tom's most memorable worst day of fishing?

What tips and tricks does Tom keep secret and not share with us?

Where does Orvis get its products. I know you make some of your rods but where does other tackle come from?

Georgia's Native Brook Trout, with Sarah Baker Dec 23, 2022

My guest this week, Sarah Baker [35:40] is a woman who has a job most of us would envy—she studies and manages the populations of wild, native brook trout in the mountains of northern Georgia. Learn more about these southernmost populations of brook trout, their life history, and where you can find them (no spot burning, just some general areas to investigate for yourself).

In the Fly Box this week, some great questions that range the spectrum of fly fishing, such as:

A listener is confused by recommendations for sinking lines for an Alaska trip

Can I tie flies smaller than size 18 with the regular jaws in my tying vise? Do I need to purchase midge jaws?

Someone told me not to use water-based head cement on size 20 and smaller flies. Why?

If I know I have a reasonable fly and good drifts, does it make sense to spend more than a half-dozen casts in one spot?

I am a newbie and other than the typical questions about what fly to use, what other questions should I ask in a fly shop that will be helpful?

If I want to try Spey casting with my single-hand fly rod, what fly line would be best?

Can smaller Spey patterns be used for trout and bass on a single-handed rod?

I am taking my first saltwater trip to Turks and Caicos. I have an 8-weight freshwater outfit. Do I need to get a special saltwater rod and line?

Can I use a 450-grain Depth Charge line on my 10-weight rod? And besides fishing for striped bass, what other saltwater applications are there for this line?

I am having trouble with my Clinch Knots breaking in cold weather. What am I doing wrong?

Any advice for tying on a size 22 Zebra Midge in cold weather?

The Giant Trout of Pyramid Lake, with Mike Anderson Dec 02, 2022

Can you really catch giant cutthroat trout in the desert? Are they truly a native species? And do they really fish with ladders? You'll find out in my interview with Orvis-endorsed guide Mike Anderson [45:23], who guides for the Reno Fly Shop.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some wonderful comments and thought-provoking questions, including:

I can keep the knots in my rubber legs on hopper patterns. How do you do it?

What common fly-tying materials can I get from animals I have harvested, what parts should I use, and how to you prepare and store them?

What is the advantage of going from 140 denier tying thread to 70 denier and when and why should I use it?

A listener explains why he welcomes new people to the sport.

I just got an intermediate line for fishing in lakes. Will it be useful in streams?

I have an old rod with a loose ferrule. Is there any way of fixing it?

Is my 9 ½ foot 6-weight rod too light to throw big articulated flies for bull trout?

I know trout lie in seams in a river. Will steelhead be in seams as well?

Can I use sewing thread for tying flies?

My double surgeon's knots keep breaking. What am I doing wrong?

Are there special fighting techniques when you hook a fish on a downstream drift?

Why do people tell me to fish at high tide, when I can walk out farther at low tide?

Can I swing a streamer in salt water?

Do changes in air temperature affect fish in the ocean as much as in fresh water?

What do I do to take my trout fishing to the next level?

What should I concentrate on?

Why are bamboo rods typically shorter than graphite, and how do I travel with a two-piece bamboo rod?

I am losing more fish with large flies than I do with small flies. What is the issue?

Seasons of the Striper, with Bill Sisson Nov 24, 2022

Bill Sisson [27:29] is the founding editor of Angler's Journal magazine and his recently published book, Seasons of the Striper, is an elegant pictorial love letter to striped bass fishing. Bill has seen many changes in the striped bass fishery over the years, and his family goes back for generations of striped bass anglers — both sport and commercial fishing. He tells some great stories of past striped bass escapades, which I know you'll enjoy listening to.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some solid questions and some informative information from listeners, including:

On a recent podcast a listener described a method of pre-tying nymphs on a dropper with a perfection loop, but I can't figure out how to attach them to my dry fly with a loop-loop connection. How do you accomplish this?

A listener gives us some great background on the history of public stream access in the United States.

A listener warns of of an alarming trend of beaver misinformation

Why do I keep losing trout on my barbless flies? Am I putting too much pressure on the fish?

What tips can you give me on fishing with my fiberglass rod in salt water?

I fish for bass in spring creeks.

Do you think they will be active in late fall and winter?

How do the gases in the exoskeleton of a midge pupa form?

Is there any hope of fishing a dry dropper in winter?

Do you have any tips for fishing small streams when there is ice in a creek?

All about Midges, with Rick Hafele Nov 18, 2022

I get a lot of questions about midges and their life cycle, so I thought I would invite a professional entomologist to give us an overview of these insects and how to imitate them. Rick Hafele [3816] has not only been an entomologist all his working life, he's also a superb angler and fly-fishing author and perhaps one of the best authorities on aquatic entomology we have. Learn about what color midges to imitate, which part of their life cycle is most important to trout, and how to effectively fish these imitations. In

The Fly Box this week, we have some thought-provoking questions and some terrific suggestions from listeners, including:

I have used both rubber and felt soles and I still have problems wading. I am in good shape and have good balance. What wading shoes do you suggest?

I witnessed a huge hatch of insects but only caught largemouth bass. Is there a depth and current speed where fishing a dry fly is futile?

What type of poly leader would you suggest for my 5-weight rod?

How long should my leader be when fishing a poly leader?

What CFS do you consider safe to wade in a river?

If I catch a wild brown or rainbow in a brook trout stream, should I relocate that fish below a waterfall?

What is the purpose of releasing large hatchery brood stock trout into wild trout streams? Do they have any effect on a wild trout population?

How would you fish a slow, tannic river with a mud and sand bottom?

How long do you stay in one section of a river?

Should I match the diameter of the butt section of my leader to the diameter of my fly line?

What should I do if I hook a large striped bass and it thrashes close to me but does not take line. Should I try to get the line on the reel?

Some great tips from a South Dakota angler on how to find superb fly fishing close to home.

Where flies come from. with Steve Carew Nov 11, 2022

My guest this week is Steve Carew [40:58] of Fulling Mill Flies. Steve is the guy who gets fly patterns from an original sample to those gorgeous flies you see in the fly bins of your local Orvis store or dealer. How do commercial flies get made? Who are these people who tie flies for a living? Do they actually fish? How good are they? And how do they produce such consistent, high-quality flies in large volumes without sacrificing quality?

In the Fly Box this week, we have some helpful tips from listeners as well as some interesting questions, including:

A great tip on how to protect the tip of a fly rod when carrying it inside a vehicle fully assembled.

How do I know what color midge to use? Are there seasons and times when different colors work better than others?

I saw a carp feeding but tried a dozen flies and none of them worked. How can I catch these fish?

I fish a lake with trout, bass, pike, walleye, and perch in it. How can I target each one of these fish?

I am going to fish a lake and want to know what two fly lines I should take.

Does the newer technology Orvis uses in its fly rods make older rods obsolete?

I am fishing an older fiberglass rod and lost a bunch of fish. Do you think the rod is the problem?

I fish an aqueduct with steep banks that prevent a back-cast. Do you have any suggestions on fly lines?

A tip from a listener on gluing an aquarium thermometer to his net.

Do you think the occasional flip of my fins when using a float tube will spook fish?

Do you have any tips for mending a dry dropper rig without moving the fly?

What is Tom's favorite fly to tie and favorite fly to fish?

I purchased an old bamboo rod. How do I find out what line size it takes?

I saw some brook trout actively working a redd. Does that mean I should quit fishing that stream entirely?

Late Fall and Winter Nymphing, with Alex Waller Nov 04, 2022

My guest this week is Alex Waller [41:36] from New Zealand. You've likely seen his great videos on Orvisnews.com or on You Tube, in his channel Trippin on Trout. Alex shares his techniques for fishing nymphs in late fall and winter with us, and his techniques are a bit different than what most of us use, so you make pick up some tips for your own trout fishing wherever you live. And because he often fishes for migratory rainbows coming out of giant Lake Taupo, his techniques will play well with Great Lakes "steelhead".

In the Fly Box this week, we have a host of interesting questions, including:

What is the most buoyant natural material for dry flies?

Does adding UV resin to dry flies affect their buoyancy?

What is the best way to carry and store tube flies?

Is there a universal rule for what size nymph you can use on a dry dropper?

How do I keep my hook gap clear of materials so I don't miss strikes?

What should I do when a big fish shakes its head when fighting?

If black is the most visible color for flies, why do some anglers prefer black hooks when fish are spooky?

If black is most visible in murky water, why do some people recommend bright flies under these conditions?

I am stuck in the rolling plains of the Midwest, four hours from a trout stream. Can I still go fly fishing?

A local river is highly pressured with very clear water, so everyone uses tiny midges.

Would a bigger fly work sometimes?

What is the best upgrade I can make to my Clearwater outfit, without spending hundreds of dollars?

Do you ever swing wet flies in small streams?

If so what leader do you use?

When do you use a strike indicator instead of a dry dropper?

And what kind do you use?

I have a floating line for striped bass fishing and have done well with it. What other line would you recommend?

What do you suggest if I want to try night fishing for striped bass?

Fishing and Conservation, with Garden & Gun's David DiBenedetto Oct 28, 2022

This week, my guest is Dave DiBenedetto, Editor-in-Chief of Garden & Gun Magazine, who is a lifelong fly fisher. If you read the magazine, you can see that they frequently publish fly-fishing stories, and also that they stress conservation. In their latest issue, they make public their Champions of Conservation Awards, which go to people who are making a difference at the grassroots level in all areas of conservation. Recipients range from Capt. Bennie Blanco in the Florida Everglades; to Savi Horne, who works to keep agriculture sustainable for Black farmers; to Dr. Jennifer Rehage, who has discovered shocking levels of pharmaceuticals in Florida's bonefish population—and seven other fascinating individuals who have made a difference. We also talk fishing, from marsh redfish to small-stream trout in the mountains of the South.

In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and more:

What is your take on small river fishing from a kayak for smallmouth bass?

What is the best way to travel with a fully assembled fly rod inside an SUV or Jeep?

Can I fish a dry/dropper or indicator with my 10-foot, 3-weight Euro rod?

What is the minimal number of fly rods one can own for the most diverse situations and number of species?

And what rods should they be?

Is there any way to have a smooth connection from line to leader with the convenience of a loop-to-loop connection?

Do we need to be as careful when releasing bluegills and bass as we are with trout?

Is there anything wrong with adding colored marks to the end of my fly line and Euro-nymphing with a short leader?

Will trout that are eating tiny flies take a bigger dry at last light? Can I Euro nymph in small streams with a short rod?

What is the minimum and maximum amount of gear you would take for an afternoon of fishing?

The fish I get in my net quickly often struggle a lot. Should I play them longer?

Is there an app to analyze your casting?

Someone suggested using thinner-bodied Zebra Midges. Is that a good idea?

How Land-Use and Geology Affect Mountain Streams, with Dr. Nelson Ham Oct 21, 2022

I've long been fascinated by the way geology affects the character and richness of a trout stream, and I know other anglers are as well. My interview this week is with geology professor Dr. Nelson Ham [40:36], who has been studying the effects of both geology and historical land use practices on the character of our trout rivers. The discussion also goes into the value of ground water on how productive our rivers can be. I learned a lot in this interview and I know you will as well.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting an unusual questions and comments, including:

I have six Helios 3 rods and want to sell one. Which one should I sell?

Do you think the affect of COVID on swelling the ranks of fly fishers will go down?

I found an Orvis 1856 bamboo fly rod in the attic of my new house. Was it really built in 1856?

A listener encourages me to keep making fun of various kinds of fly-fishing methods.

In places I used to catch brook trout I am now only catching chubs. Do you think trout will re-inhabit these streams?

A listener reminds me that organizations like Project Healing Waters promote the therapeutic value of fly fishing in young veterans.

Do you think tube flies would be effective for golden dorado?

If it's legal, how many flies do you think are too many on a single leader?

When I fish a dry dropper, why do the smaller fish take my small Zebra Midge and the larger trout take a poke at my dry fly?

What flies and gear are recommended for catching Atlantic mackerel on a fly?

If I don't want to use head cement, is a double whip finish a good way to increase the durability of my flies?

When I use a throat pump on trout, why do my samples sometimes come up empty?

Carp and Eel Down Under, with Angus Reynolds Oct 14, 2022

This week we take a trip Down Under to talk to guide Angus Reynolds [41:21] in Australia. Angus customarily guides trout anglers, but because of the recurring drought in Australia he has been pursuing alternate species and carp are one of his major targets. I thought we could learn some techniques to try on our North American carp, which are the same species, and Angus has some interesting tips on fishing a sunken dry fly for them. He also tells some great stories about catching Murray cod and eels on a fly rod!

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and comments, including:

Can I use my 11-foot, 3-weight Helios Blackout rod for trout Spey? If so, what grain weight should I use?

When should I use jig hooks and slotted beads as opposed to regular nymph hooks and beads?

Do you have some tips for Eastern stillwater trout fishing? Is it much different than what they do in the West?

Is there a reasonable do-it-yourself repair kit for fly rods I can take into the field with me?

Does UV resin attract trout? And are UV materials really attractive to trout?

A listener from the UK says the whole idea of public water in North American blows his mind. He asks if it is really true that we can fish any river we want?

A listener takes me to task for insinuating that people who use Euro nymphing techniques are only after racking up numbers of fish.

What is the difference between graphite and fiberglass rods for small streams, and which is better?

If I see a beaver on one end of a pond and an otter on the other, which one should I stay away from when fishing?

A listener shares his experience of brown trout favoring one fly on his nymph rig and rainbow trout the other fly.

Backcast episode: How does water temp affect trout behavior? With John McMillan Oct 06, 2022

Originally Released Jul 09, 2021

This week I am delighted to have biologist John McMillan back as my guest [46:00]. John gives us a detailed view on the affect of water temperature on a trout's metabolism, particularly at the upper end of their safe range. In this summer of low flows and high water temperatures nearly everywhere in North America, it's a critical topic. And as usual, John puts his critical eye on how we, as anglers, can mitigate these effects by changing our fishing behavior. John is never without optimism, and I think you'll enjoy his discussion and learn more about trout biology and how we can be more responsible anglers.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners:

Why did my guide tell me to use heavier tippets? Why did she suggest this would put less stress on the fish? A suggestion from a listener on getting an old bamboo rod and refurbishing it to bring one back to life. What is the difference between hen and partridge? How do I know where to find trout streams? What size should I tie my ants in? A new way of tying a clinch knot with heaver hooks is suggested by a listener Why, when fishing with a dry dropper, do I only catch browns on the nymph and only cutthroats on the dry? What do you suggest for catching pressured largemouths in summer? A belated Father's Day message Can I use the Euro nymphing method from a drift boat or float tube? Why am I having trouble mending at 30 feet with a dry dropper? When tying a Chubby Chernobyl, how do you get the legs to separate? When you see a large mammal like a beaver or otter in the river, is it time to move on? Why do I catch myself with my fly when casting? Is it OK to dry my waders and boots in the sun? How should I handle my gear for air travel? Why do I keep losing fish when using bead head flies? Does using a frog pattern change the flex of my rod? Why do Scandinavians hold their rods so high when playing a fish?

Part two of Young People and Fly Fishing, with Lukas Draugelis Sep 29, 2022

Anyone involved in the world of fly fishing knows that young people are getting involved at a rate greater than any time in its history. Why? What do they want out of fly fishing, why does it appeal to them, and what do they see as the future of fly fishing? This is Part two of a podcast series where I interview young people about these questions, and this week my guest is a college student, Lukas Draugelis [37:14], president of the University of Vermont Fly-fishing Club—a very vibrant organization.

In the Fly Box this week we some great questions, as well as a bit of humor, including:

I get my fly line, rod tip, net, and flies stuck in trees and bushes, sometimes at the same time. Does this happen to anyone else?

How do bursts of rain and muggy days affect fly fishing? How about barometric pressure?

I have never seen a good hatch on a river. What kinds of environmental cues trigger a hatch?

What grain weight should I put on a fiberglass rod that calls for a 5/6 line?

What does the term “boat rod” mean in fly fishing?

I fish a wild trout stream with numerous small fish with the biggest around 14 inches.

How many and what size can I safely harvest?

Any tips on how to make my first casts in a pool as good as the ones I may 15 minutes later when I am “warmed up”?

How can I avoid foul hooking fish, and am I killing fish that I foul hook?

What does a fish sound like when it is spooked?

If I came fly fishing with you on small streams, what rod, leader, and flies would you be using?

Is there a good way to make an adjustable dropper on a dry/dropper rig?

Why Young People Fly Fish, Part 1, with Austin Boswell Sep 23, 2022

This week, my guest is Austin Boswell [37:57], owner and guide for Eastern Oregon River Outfitters. I wanted to talk to Austin because I'm doing a two-part series on why young people are suddenly getting into fly fishing after many years of it being mostly an older person's pastime. I got into fly fishing at a young age, but in those days all the fly fishers I knew were older, and today we're seeing a great influx of young people taking up the sport. Why? I don't have any answers so for the next two podcasts I am going to be interviewing two fly fishers under the age of 30 to find out why it is so intriguing to them.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and comments, including:

I found my fly line wrapped over itself on my reel. How did that happen and how can I prevent it?

My normally easy-to-approach brook trout have become really spooky in the low water of summer. Will they be easier once the water levels come back up? Is my fly line scaring them and what can I do?

How long do felt soles last?

When did Orvis stop impregnating bamboo rods and why?

A great quote on harvesting fish by blogger and author Bill Robichaud

Is there a standard for reel foot sizing?

Are the reel feet different in different-sized reels?

What taper model are the various Recon models based on?

Why do my Chubby Chernobyl flies not float well?

Do trout eat woolly bear caterpillars?

How do I cast an open loop when using indicators or dry droppers?

Why do caddis flies and midges have a pupa stage and mayflies don't?

How do I mix dubbings with different textures in a coffee grinder?

Avoiding casting pains, with Dr. Jason Smith Sep 17, 2022

We all get occasional aches and pains from casting, or as we get older we worry about getting them. Dr. Jason Smith [51:14] is an expert in sports medicine and has worked with many professional athletes in developing routines from strengthening muscles and connective tissue. He has some great advice on avoiding casting injuries, types of therapy to alleviate the pain of these issues, and also some easy exercises to avoid injury in the future. Fly fishing is supposed to be fun and any way we can take the pain out of it is welcome advice.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some controversy and some great questions, including:

If I am fishing an articulated fly in a place where only a single hook is allowed by law, should I cut off the back hook or the front hook?

I’ve tried night fishing without any success. What do you suggest?

If I am using a dropshot rig in very deep, fast water, how many split shot is too many?

A tip from a listener about a great suggestion for casting he got from George Daniel

If I am fishing two or three flies, is there any rule as to where I should place my heaviest fly?

I only have a 5-weight and a 10-weight rod and I want to fish for bass.

Can I use my 10-weight for bass fishing?

It’s still hard to reconcile catch-and-release fishing for ecological reasons with a carbon footprint from cross-country trips. And I heard that there is at least an 11% mortality rate in catch-and-release fishing.

Do trout eat whirligig beetles and water striders? And what do they tell me about a trout stream?

How should I adjust my fishing tactics when it rains?

I fish a catch-and-release pond with picky fish and heavy fishing pressure. If no one fished this pond for a year, would the trout get less selective?

A listener takes me to task for saying I try to avoid fishing for stocked trout. And then asks me what I would do if I lived in an urban area where there were only put-and-take fisheries for trout.

A listener is confused by the different sizes of aquatic insects and asks if the same ones hatch in different sizes.

A physicist weighs in on how to stalk trout, knowing how the physics of refraction works.

A listener gives me a list of the rods he owns and asks if there is something missing in his arsenal, especially for small streams.

When Catch-and-Release Doesn’t Work, with Tim Traver Sep 08, 2022

Catch-and-release fishing for trout is not a conservation tool. It’s a way to manage trout populations for larger fish, based mainly on sociological or even political pressures. Sometimes it doesn’t even produce larger fish, and it can backfire when it inflames local anglers. Tim Traver [38:50], author of Lost in the Driftless, has spent years studying the effects of fishing regulations on both fish and human populations and I think your eyes will open to the limitations of regulations like “fly-fishing only” or “catch-and-release”.

In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of interesting questions and comments from listeners, including:

What can I do to avoid crowds on a heavily pressured eastern trout stream?

What is the best way to carry a net when using a sling bag?

A listener has some great comments on why bamboo rods are so special.

Why am I consistently breaking off large brown trout using 6X tippet?

If I don’t have a fishing backpack or vest, how can I carry a net?

How can I fish very fast water effectively with a dry dropper rig?

If most fish food is dull colored, why do we use so many wild colors in our flies?

A listener makes some great points on why fishing close to home is desirable.

A physicist weighs in on what a trout can see from underwater.

Can I effectively Euro-nymph with my 9-foot, 5-inch Blackout rod?

What are some good uses for squirrel tail in fly tying?

What is everyone doing in the northeast for fly fishing during the drought?

Fishing close to home, with Bon Iver’s Sean Carey Sep 02, 2022

My guest this week is Sean Carey [48:31], drummer and keyboard player for the indie folk band Bon Iver, who also records solo work as S Carey. Sean has been fly fishing for many years, beginning when he was in high school, and we spend a lot of time discussing the concept of “growing where you were planted” or learning the pleasures of discovering fly fishing close to home. And of course we talk about how fly fishing has influenced his song writing, and also what the theoretical difference might be in the way a classically trained musician approaches fly fishing as opposed to the way a jazz musician might. At the end of the podcast is a special treat—a recording of his song “Yellowstone” (but no it’s not a fishing song even though we all associate that area with fishing).

In the Fly Box this week, we have a bunch of thought-provoking questions from listeners, including:

If I can see a fish in the water, does that mean it can see me? Or does a trout’s “window” work in reverse?

What do you think of tying the dropper onto the eye of the dry fly instead of the bend when using a dry-dropper rig?

Are those rock dams that people make in streams bad for trout?

What is your opinion of Jack’s Knot?

Will Tenkara fishing work on small, clear spring creeks? W

hy does the Crackleback fly work?

If I have a bunch of old reels with lines on them, can a fly shop tell me what size they are?

What kind of additional flies and gear do I need when moving form smallmouth bass fishing to tailwater trout fishing?

What do you do for protection in bear and cougar country?

What is your preferred method for fishing a nymph under an indicator?

I got an H3 rod as a gift and I don’t feel I am good enough to use it yet. What do you think about this?

Shawn Brillon gives me the answers on four questions about bamboo rods as a follow-up to his recent podcast

Would my 10-foot 7-weight rod be OK for bonefishing in the Turks and Caicos?

Bass keep throwing my heavy cone-head streamers when they jump. Would keeping tension on them when they jump prevent this?

How do you know what rod size to use?

How do you know what tippet size to use?

Getting Kids into Fly Fishing, with Marsha Benovengo Aug 26, 2022

I get a lot of questions from listeners on how to get kids into fly fishing--what's the right rod outfit, what species to go after, how to structure (or not structure) a day on the water, what resources are available, and how to instill a sense of ethics and conservation in kids. My guest this week is an expert on the subject. Marsha Benovengo [40:20] is state chair of New Jersey Trout Unlimited, and this year she received the coveted Mortensen Award from TU for her volunteer service and dedication. She has a host of great tips for guiding kids through their fly-fishing education.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and tips from listeners, including:

I noticed trout living in a polluted pond near a garnet quarry. Don't trout always live in completely pristine water?

I have a kink in my fly line that I can't remove. Do you have any tips on getting it out?

What do you do to help your feet after a day of wet wading?

Can I travel with fly rods in a duffel bag?

A tip from a listener on using Lycra dive socks for wet wading How exactly do you check the balance on a fly rod?

Does Tom ever get to fish anymore?

How can I get more distance when surf fishing for snook?

I am doing well using Euro-style jig flies with an indicator and a standard 9-foot 5-weight rod.

Would I be even more successful with a Euro rod? And how do they fish dry flies with those 10-foot 3-weight rods?

Should I attach my nymphs with a loop knot?

How can I fish a high mountain lake with extensive weed beds?

Would my 12-year-old son be better off with a double taper line than the weight-forward line he is currently using?

A great story from a listener in Sweden who has a friend that has caught 100 species of fish native to Sweden, all on fly tackle.

Will fishing my "cold water" Bank Shot line in warm water and air temperatures damage the line?

How can I clean some peacock feathers I got from a friend?

How can I keep my fly lower in the water column when swinging streamers for smallmouth bass?

I have a small spring on my property and would like to see if it will hold trout. Should I dig it out and clean out all the willows around it?

All about bamboo fly rods, with Shawn Brillon Aug 19, 2022

Want to know how a bamboo fly rod is made? How long it takes to make one? How many different hands touch an Orvis bamboo fly rod before you (and your children and grandchildren) become its lucky owner. And finally, what's so great about bamboo fly rods? How are they different from fiberglass and graphite, and what will they do for you on the water? This week I interview Orvis bamboo fly rod craftsman Shawn Brillon [45:09], who loves to talk bamboo rods as much as he enjoys making and fishing them.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including:

I could catch rising trout in one part of a pool, but when I moved 50 meters upstream I couldn't catch any. What was going on?

How do I determine the correct size leader if I am going from a single size 16 fly to a hopper or multiple nymph rig?

What are your thoughts on weed guards on flies?

I caught a dragonfly on my elk hair caddis. Am I the first?

I hooked a trout in the corner of the mouth and even with a barbless hook it bled and looked like it would die. Would it have been better if I left the fly in the fish?

I have been fishing with an 8-weight shooting head outfit for striped bass and halibut. I want to catch corbina but I hear they are spooky. Do you think my 8-weight is too heavy?

I keep seeing these large fish rising in a heavily pressured river but can't catch them on any multi-fly rig. What can I do to fool these fish?

What do you do to stay in shape for fishing?

What are the advantages of a big dry fly over a bobber?

Does bead size really matter regarding attractiveness to trout? And is there a seasonality to what color beads you should use?

I have been catching catfish on a fly. Does anyone else do this and is it a "thing" or is it bycatch?

I went to Banff to fish and they required that all my tackle, including lines and leaders, could not have been used for 45 days and had to be cleaned and treated. What do you think about the potential for things like lines and leaders to transfer invasive species?

All about fiberglass fly rods, with Cam Mortenson Aug 12, 2022

My guest this week is Cameron Mortensen of The Fiberglass Manifesto [51:24]. Cam is one of the most knowledgeable anglers when it comes to fiberglass fly rods. I know a lot of listeners are curious about glass rods, and so we can to answer the questions: What is the history of fiberglass rods? How do modern ones compare to the older styles? What are the advantages of fiberglass rods? What are the drawbacks of fiberglass rods? What are the new 4-piece Orvis Superfine Glass rods like? If you've been curious about trying a fiberglass fly rod, I hope this podcast answers some of your questions.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some thought-provoking questions, tips, and complaints, including:

What are the benefits of a strip set, and what is happening at the end of the line?

When should I use the strip set?

Should I buy an 8-weight or a 9-weight for a combination of saltwater and largemouth bass?

Why do largemouth bass follow my fly and not take it? Why don't people use duck-quill-wing wet flies anymore?

A listener takes Tom to task for making fun of Tenkara fishing

A guide makes a plea for clients to practice their casting before a day of fishing.

I have some 50-year-old flies that look to be in good shape and the hooks are not rusty. Do you think the hooks are still good and won't break?

A listener asks for advice between a 7- or 8-weight rod for bass and carp.

If the mono in my poly leader gets too short, should I cut back the coating to try to expose more of the core?

A tip on using crushed material from inside desiccant packages for a fly flotant

Do some fly tiers get royalties on the patterns they designed?

I see bass splashing up against the shore and logs. Are they chasing baitfish, and if so, how do I catch them?

How do I get the curl out of my leader when fishing big flies?

I had two 9-foot, 5-weight rods break in the same place, a half inch from the tip. What do you think happened?

What does Tom do when he gets frustrated and his casting mechanics break down?

Selectivity in Fish Feeding Habits, with Matt Supinski Aug 05, 2022

This week, my guest is guide and author Matt Supinski [51:36], one of the most innovative thinkers in fly fishing with a long history in the business. The topic is selectivity, which Matt wrote an entire book about a few years ago. What is selectivity in fish feeding, is it always operating, why does it happen, and how can we use it to our advantage when fishing? It’s a fascinating topic and one Matt and I explore in depth.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and comments, including:

Do longer rods roll cast better than shorter ones? And do slower rods roll cast better?

Can I use one of those yarn practice rods to fine tune my double haul?

Why can I only find lead split shot? Isn’t it bad for the environment?

Who were your “media heroes” when growing up?

Do the vibrations from car-top rod carriers damage rods?

A listener takes me to task for suggesting people use a throat pump to see what trout are eating.

Why do trout sometimes not respond to heavy hatches?

The smallmouth bass in my local streams are quite small. Why don’t they grow bigger?

How can I catch trout in a small stream that runs into a local pond?

What can I do to make stripers on the flats take my flies? They keep following but don’t commit.

Why do fly shop employees get paid such a low wage?

Does green-colored tippet material offer any advantage?

How can I improve my dexterity and efficiency when tying knots on the water?

Can I use a reel suitable for an 8-weight line on my 5-weight rod?

The Excitement of Multi-Species Lakes, with Captain Drew Price Jul 29, 2022

This week, my guest is captain Drew Price [56:13], an expert on fishing large, multi-story, multi-species lakes. Drew has pioneered methods of catching unusual and fascinating freshwater fish like bowfin, gar, and freshwater drum. He also loves to fish for trout, bass, and carp but there are days on his home water, Lake Champlain, when those popular fish may not cooperate. And it's fun to fill your life list with new species, some of which may live in your own back yard. If you're looking for a new challenge, want to escape summer's crowded trout rivers--or if your rivers are too warm--learn about how you can fish large lakes for all kinds of cool fish.

In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of thought-provoking questions, including:

What should I pack for my trip to Alaska, and how should I pack my waders?

Why did they use heaver stuff, like size 8 wet flies and 3X leaders, back in the 1930s through 1950s?

Why am I missing brown and rainbow trout striking my leech pattern?

Why am I missing small cutthroat trout on my dry flies?

I see large brown trout very close to me in a heavily fished river, but they won't take any of my flies. Are they spooked?

Tips from a listener on how to store rods and other tackle Why do some rods not have hook keepers?

What fishing fiction do you recommend, beyond Big Two-Hearted River and A River Runs through It?

For fishing hopper patterns, should I go long and fine or short and heavy with my leader?

I caught some big rainbow trout but also saw some huge suckers in the same river. How can I catch those suckers on a fly?

Where is the best place to set down your rod and reel when switching flies or leaders?

If I see some debris on my nymph, should I clean it off?

How does the hard-sided Orvis stripping basket compare to collapsible mesh versions?

When I release trout, should I try to feed them mealworms or something to make up for them losing a meal?

How You Can Make a Difference in Your Fishery, with Capt. Benny Blanco Jul 22, 2022

This week, my guest is Capt. Benny Blanco of Islamorada, in the Florida Keys [37:38]. Benny talks about his life in the Keys and about how he came to realize that the fishery on which he made his living was threatened--and how he learned to make a difference. The Everglades will never be completely pristine again, but with people like Benny involved, it can regain much of its former glory. And it's not only the Everglades.

Restoration of the entire watershed will also help the world-class fisheries in Florida Bay, the health of the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries, and the drinking water supply of the 9 million people in South Florida. It's a study in best practices that people in any part of the world can learn from to protect their treasured resources.

In the Fly Box this week we have some lighter topics:

How long does it take for a fish to remove a hook that has been left in it? Is there much of a mortality rate?

How do you fish with friends on a small stream?

Great tips from a listener for making sure you don't leave any gear behind on a trip

What parts of my fly gear can be damaged in a hot car?

Have you ever tried a "dry dropper" arrangement with a popper when fishing for striped bass?

Why are most imitations of mayflies so small?

If I am used to fishing small streams, how can I read the water in a big flat piece of water in a big river?

When fishing multiple flies, should I use a weaker knot on the droppers so I don't lose my entire rig?

How do I set the hook when stillwater fishing?

When fishing three flies at once, I foul hook a lot of trout. How can I prevent that?

Tips for fishing mayfly spinners, with Jim McLennan Jul 15, 2022

This week, my guest is longtime guide, fly shop owner, journalist, musician, and all-around great guy Jim McLennan [40:26]. Jim is a thoughtful fly fisher who always has solid tips on fly-fishing techniques, and this week we talk about mayfly spinners—their mysteries, how to identify when they are active, and how to target trout feeding on them. Mayfly spinner falls are some of the best opportunities to catch large trout on a dry fly because trout gorge on them and sometimes get stupid, so it pays to have some intelligence on taking advantage of these opportunities. And this is a timely podcast because in most parts of the country, we are about to get into the prime season for the tiny Trico spinners.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some intriguing questions and tips from listeners, including:

Why can I do to prevent my mono eyes from breaking on my tarpon flies?

How do I clean my saltwater flies after a trip so they aren’t all mangled?

Can I use more than one subsurface fly with a dry-dropper rig?

How can I fish a deep plunge pool with a dry-dropper?

I have broken a bunch of rods in the past couple years. Is it due to my bad casting?

Some great tips from a relatively new angler on where to get the best help and advice.

What is a good way to enjoy a fly-fishing trip with a young family?

How can I break into writing stories and poems about fly fishing?

Is using a stomach (throat) pump unethical, and is it looked down upon by other fly fishers?

A tip for using neoprene socks when wet wading

In the short and long term, what do you expect the results of the Yellowstone flood will be?

Fly Fishing for Redeye Bass, with Matthew Lewis Jul 08, 2022

You may have never heard of redeye bass or seen one. Yet they are a wonderful fly-rod fish. They live in spectacular, clear mountain streams and take a fly very well. They’re mainly found in the deep South, particularly in Alabama, so they’re a great fly-rod target in places where you would not ordinarily think of fly fishing. They’re a native species that deserve more visibility from the fly-fishing community and my guest, Matthew Lewis [44:27], is perhaps the world expert on fly fishing for them.

In the fly box this week, we have some interesting questions and great tips from listeners, including:

What percentage of the time do trout in lakes feed on the surface?

What is a go-to fly for late summer fishing on small streams?

What can I do to prevent foul-hooking so many fish? And when I hook a trout in the belly, is it sure to die?

Do oils from our hands harm trout?

Do you have some general rules of thumb for how rain affects fly fishing?

I am using wide gape hooks and missing a lot of small brook trout. Is it the hook that’s my problem?

I saw some large brown trout in shallow water around spawning season and could not get them to take a fly. What can I do?

What do you think of the Double Davy Knot?

A listener shares a killer nymph pattern he developed.

When I practice casting, why does the end of my leader fray and my fly line loop come apart?

Do you ever guide?

I fish a stream with rainbow trout, and for the first six months of the season I can’t find them. Where do they go?

How much less backing fits on a spool when I use 30-pound backing instead of 20-pound?

Are the natural materials we use for fly tying from ethically treated animals?

Fly-Fishing in the 1960's, with Paul Bruun Jul 03, 2022

This week my guest is Paul Bruun [39:50], a legendary figure in fly fishing who has been involved with the fly-fishing world even longer than me.

On Thursday, June 30th, he received the Izaak Walton Award from the American Museum of Fly fishing for a lifetime of contributions to our sport. Paul is a guide, writer, newspaperman, and he developed the famous South Fork Skiff, which has recently been resurrected and redesigned by the famous Adipose Boatworks Company in Montana. Paul is a wonderful storyteller and he tells us about what it was like to learn fly fishing in South Florida in the 1960s—not an easy task!

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and suggestions from listeners, including:

I am too slow in striking to small mountain trout. Is there a way I can fix that?

A listener alerts us to a water issue on an Oregon tailwater

A listener is confused by the differences in pound test and diameter on leader butts and wants to know if there is a rule-of-thumb for the correct leader butt section.

Do you think the studs on my wading boots are spooking trout?

Do trout in different micro-habitats in the same river choose different insects?

How small of a river is too small to use trout spey equipment? And should I use a Scandi or Skagit setup?

Is it useful to be able to cast with either your right or left hand?

I see larger fish suspended a foot from the surface over deep water. What are they doing there?

A listener suggests that a previous question about not being able to hook rising trout during a caddis hatch may have been due to mountain whitefish, which have a much smaller mouth than trout.

I am getting lost flies and a pigtail at the end of my leader when using a clinch knot. What should I do? Is there a better knot?

What is the best way to store fly rods in their tubes?

Rocky Mountain Small-Stream Fishing, with Timbre Pringle Jun 24, 2022

My guest this week is Timbre Pringle of Faceless Fly Fishing [46:26] and the topic is small stream fly fishing, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Timbre has some great tips on fishing dries, dry dropper combos, and streamers in small streams, and the differences between the different species of trout in small streams. She also gives some great tips on avoiding encounters with bears, something that can be an issue when certain areas of the Rockies once you get away from the road.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some seasonally appropriate questions and some good tips from listeners, including:

Four good tips on storing tying materials from a listener

When do you use a dubbing loop, and when do you use the standard noodle method instead?

How do I avoid the numerous small steelhead parr on my local river?

Why did I miss 20 fish in a row when fishing a dry fly during a caddis hatch?

A listener takes issue with the advice of using heavier tippets to play fish quickly

Do trout get full and not rise when there is an over-abundance of bugs?

Why can I catch fish on dries and not on nymphs?

A listener asks my thoughts on nymphs with a bobber vs. a dry dropper rig.

A listener tore a small piece of the jaw off a trout because he forgot to pinch his barb. He wants to know if that hole in the trout’s jaw is a death sentence.

How should I get set up to swing flies for smallmouth bass?

How can I intercept a hatch?

What features should I look for if I want to try to wait on the bank for a hatch to appear?

Should I avoid putting flotant on the bodies of foam flies?

How to become a professional fly-fishing photographer, with Brian Grossenbacher Jun 09, 2022

My guest this week is Brian Grossenbacher [42:45], one of the finest fly-fishing still photographers in the world. You’ve seen his work on the cover of many magazines and in Orvis catalogs. (Brian and I recently collaborated on a book entitled, simply, Trout, with his images and my essays. ) Learn how Brian’s career changed from being a full-time fishing guide to a professional photographer and glean some tips on how to go pro yourself—or at least improve the quality of your own images. Along the way, Brian tells a couple stories that had me in tears of laughter as I was recording this.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and great tips from listeners, including:

What impact does bug spray have on fish and the tackle we use?

My Elk Hair Caddis dry flies land on their sides. How can I prevent this?

Should I grease my leader when fishing with a dry-dropper rig in fast water?

I want to try carp fishing. Should I put my money into a better reel or a better rod?

A tip from a listener on how to keep materials out of the eye of a fly you just tied, and how to keep your hands warm in cold weather.

A tip from a listener on how he greatly improved his casting with all rods when he went from a 4-weight rod to a 9-weight rod.

What would you do if faced with three days of 25 mph winds and dirty water when on a saltwater trip?

Does cold weather make fly rods brittle?

I came up with a killer fly pattern that is unlike anything out there. Should I share the pattern on social media?

I am having trouble with carp. What fly patterns do you recommend, and how can I tell when they take the fly?

What tips do you have for making those quick deliveries when sight fishing in salt water?

Tom Answers Your Questions Jun 03, 2022

My guest this week is well, me. I recorded a podcast and the file got corrupted and I couldn’t get my guest back in time to do a makeover. So this week is just the Fly Box.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and tips, including:

Do I absolutely need a full sinking line and a stripping basket to fish in the surf?

Do you pinch the barbs on flies for all saltwater species?

Will streamers and bucktails work throughout the summer?

Can I go heavier than 6X on smaller flies to get fish in quicker and stress them less?

Why do I catch many fish in a small stream and then see none on the next trip?

Any advice on tips for setting the hook when using a long cast?

Should I pursue traditional fly gear or just use Tenkara?

Should I use a 6-weight for a light saltwater outfit?

How can I get the hackle on my Parachute Adams to look better?

When would someone replace a dry fly as an indicator with a standard indicator in small streams?

What is the best way to attach 80 lb. shock tippet to a 20 lb. class tippet?

What is the best material for shucks on emergers?

What is the largest trout Tom ever caught?

If you are switching back and forth between tippets and modifying your leader, does it matter that you are using the same butt section and midsection all the time?

Getting a friend into fly fishing, with Charlie Berens and Adam Greuel May 27, 2022

This week’s podcast is fun to listen to, even if you don’t need any tips on how to get a friend into fly fishing. Charlie Berens is a talented writer comedian with a midwestern flair (check out his You Tube videos) and Adam Greuel is a musician with the band “Horseshoes and Hand Grenades” and also has a number of solo albums. Adam recently introduced Charlie to fly fishing and their experiences are both valuable and funny [42:20].

As a bonus, we’ve included a song they did together at the end of the podcast.

In The Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including:

Sometimes I see trout from a bridge, other times I don’t. Is this unusual and why?

What is the difference between a $100 fly rod and a $1000 fly rod?

A suggestion on how to arrange your flies and droppers to lessen tangles

A suggestion on how to instill better etiquette on our waters I keep losing fish once they are hooked.

Do I need a better hook-setting strategy?

A great suggestion from a listener on how to tie a weedless bass fly—and techniques for fishing it.

If you find nothing is working for you on a trout stream, what do you do?

What is the best way to fish plunge pools on small streams?

What is the difference between a slow rejection to a fly and a splashy one, and what can I do when a trout rejects my fly?

How Fly Rods are Designed, with Shawn Combs May 20, 2022

I get a lot of questions about how fly rods are designed and I think there are a number of misconceptions about where that new rod, like the Helios Blackout series, came from. Where did the idea come from? How is the design created? If you want a 9-foot, five-inch 5-weight rod, do you just add five inches to an existing rod design? I think you’ll be surprised at what goes into a new fly-rod design, and think you’ll enjoy peaking under the hood with a rod designer [41:04].

In the fly box this week, we have some great comments and questions, including:

A great explanation of the spirituality of fly fishing

When I move from one tailwater to another, my techniques don’t seem to work. What should I change?

My small stream fished well last year. This year the water is colder and higher. What should I do?

Is it OK to cut my fly line back if it’s cracked?

What would you do if you see trout in shallow, clear water and they are not rising?

Do you have any suggestions for detecting carp strikes in cloudy water?

Is there a largemouth fly that is as weedless as a rubber worm?

What flies do you recommend for bonnethead sharks?

A cool suggestion for adding a dropper fly

What organizations do you recommend if I care about climate change and the environment?

Beavers and Trout, with Ben Goldfarb May 13, 2022

You may wonder why I’ve done a podcast about beavers. You may be greatly surprised by the beneficial interactions between beavers and trout habitat—I know I was after talking to Ben Goldfarb author of the book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, [43:26]. Beavers have a much more positive effect on trout streams besides just making deep pools, and they don’t present any problems to migrating fish. And, yes, we do talk about how to fish a beaver pond, and how to find a good one. I think all fly fishers and nature enthusiasts will learn something new in this podcast.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting comments, questions, and tips, including:

The state stocks big rainbows in my wild brook trout stream. What are your thoughts on this issue?

I saw large trout jumping out of the water during a caddis hatch and could not catch any. What do you think they were doing?

What are the advantages of a double-taper over a weight-forward fly line?

A great story about how an injury caused a fly fisher to re-think priorities What size leader butt should I put on my saltwater lines?

And should I use the permanent loop in my fly line for big fish like tarpon?

How have Vermont trout streams fared after hurricane Irene?

If I pinch the barbs on my flies with forceps, am I legal in places that specify “barbless hooks only”?

A comment from a listener on how a generic description like “fly fisher” is also inclusive of people who identify as non-binary

A comment from a listener who believes that encouraging women to fly fish will cause our rivers to become too crowded.

A story from a listener who cautions us to be careful about sinkholes along the banks of trout streams.

A great tip for practicing your cast before a big trip.

What can I do to keep my large dry flies from twisting my leader?

The other pleasures of fly fishing, with Dylan Tomine May 06, 2022

I’ve been asked to touch more on the spirituality of fly fishing in my podcasts, and honestly I’m not very good at that. So I asked a thoughtful friend and author, Dylan Tomine [32:54], to touch on these aspects of fly fishing. I don’t think we got very spiritual, but we do ramble on about the other aspects of fly fishing we enjoy besides catching fish, casting, and tying flies. It’s mostly about the people.

In the Fly Box this week, I had some great questions, including:

I am going backpacking and want to travel light but fish some streamers in the middle of the day. What should I take for lines?

Will my 6-weight Helios rod be too heavy for fishing Slough Creek in Yellowstone Park?

How do you decide when to give up when fishing a small stream?

For fishing the banks of small ponds, will my 6-weight Pro line be OK or should I try a Bank Shot line for roll casting?

Can I use straight level fluorocarbon for a leader for lake trout and small mouth bass?

My polarized sunglasses don’t work well for spotting trout. Are all polarized sunglasses equal in terms of seeing fish?

What line should I use on my 9-foot, 8-weight Encounter rod when fishing 10 to 15 feet of water?

What do you do when switching from nymph fishing to fishing a hatch? What about furled leaders?

I keep losing large rainbow trout when they jump. I am indicator nymphing. Am I doing something wrong?

Fishing stillwaters from shore, with Thomas Larsen Apr 29, 2022

This week, my guest is Thomas Larsen [45:47] from the Orvis Outfitters team. Thomas is a stillwater expert and gives us some great tips on how to find trout, and how to target them, when you don’t have the benefit of a watercraft. Maybe you don’t have a boat, can’t afford a raft, or backpack to high mountain lakes—this podcast is for you.

In the Fly Box this week, lots of good comments and questions as I have been gone for a couple weeks so the mailbox is filling up.

Thanks from a listener to turning him onto the Griffith’s Gnat dry fly

Euro nymphing seems just too efficient for me.

Am I being irrational by fishing less effective indicator rig?

A customer relates a great trip he had with Orvis-endorsed Brown Trout Flyfishing

What are the five or six “must have” items (after getting a fly rod outfit) you suggest for someone new to fly fishing?

Please give me five or six recommended flies for starting out.

I had a snapping turtle eat a trout as I was landing it.

What effect do catch and release fishing efforts have on fish populations?

For fishing the beach and canals and creeks in Florida or the Carolinas, what is the best all-around fly line?

I want to tie my own leaders. What sizes of tippet do I need? And can I tie my entire leader with surgeon’s knots?

Is a wire shock leader too much for lake trout? And what flies should I use?

How long does it take trout to recover after a spell of warm water?

If I can only catch trout on Rapalas and crankbaits but not on flies, what other types of flies should I try?

Great advice from a beginner on how much he learned about fish behavior by fishing dry flies

If fish can always see tippet, why is there a difference in effectiveness between tippet sizes?

What should I do if my fly line is cracked?

What is the difference between a standard clinch knot and improved clinch knot?

Why, when I catch multiple fish out of the same run, is the third or fourth fish often bigger than the first ones?

A guide attached my leader to my fly line loop with a clinch knot and the coating on the loop cracked. Should I cut off the loop and put my leader on with a nail knot?

Modifying Flies, with Tim Cammisa Apr 08, 2022

This week, my guest is author, You Tube personality, and author Tim Cammisa [34:00]. We have a spirited discussion on fly patterns—which of the most common ones are untouchable, and which do we modify with different materials and techniques. And are they even the same fly if we modify them?

In the Fly Box, we have some great questions this week, including:

For streamer fishing for smallmouths, should I use my existing 6 weight or should I get a 7-weight rod?

Is the 10-foot 3-weight Euro nymphing rod the same as a 10-foot crappie jigging rod? If not how is it different? And is Euro nymphing really fly fishing?

Where do you use split shot and where do you use tungsten putty? Or is it purely personal preference?

I have been tying clinch knots by pulling on the tag end and it seems to be very strong. Do you think I am doing it the wrong way?

Can I use a Duncan Loop to attach a leader directly to a fly line?

Should I use a sinking line for streamer and nymph fishing?

How can I improve the durability of Dragon Tail flies?

Do striped bass prey on trout in freshwater rivers?

If I use a Berkely Gulp on my fly rod, is it technically a fly?

I am fishing for tiger muskie from shore. What type of line do I need?

Our rivers in Tennessee have an abundance of non-toxic salamanders. Do you think trout eat them, and if so how can I develop a fly to imitate them?

Good news from the Everglades, with Steve Davis Apr 01, 2022

This week, my guest is Steve Davis, chief scientists for the Everglades Foundation [49:31]. Steve gives us an update on the Everglades restoration project, which will benefit fisheries and clean water throughout Florida and not just in the Everglades. And it’s an optimistic report, which we don’t always have when we report on conservation issues. So stay tuned for some good news—for a change!

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions of interest to most fly fishers, including:

What are the pros and cons of a loop-to-loop fly line to leader connection as opposed to a nail knot?

What rod should I get for small stream trout and panfish?

I want to give back to the fly-fishing community.

What organizations should I look to?

Tell me the realities of moving from a vest to a sling pack. Are eyes really important on saltwater patterns?

With improvements in rod technology, is a new Clearwater rod better than an older TLS Power Matrix rod?

What is your opinion on tippet length if I tie my own leaders?

Do trout and carp coexist in rivers and do they push each other around? I

s fishing for hatchery trout “cheating” and will I not learn anything useful fishing for them?

What is the product life cycle of a fly rod? Can you explain the differences between the various types of glues for fly tying?

I can catch fish on nymphs without an indicator, but I am having trouble when using one. What should I do differently?

I know fly lines are made to industry standards. Do the same standards exist for fly rods?

The Seven Deadly Sins of Nymph Fishing, with Josh Nugent Mar 10, 2022

Josh Nugent of Out Fly Fishing in Calgary has been doing a series of “Seven Deadly Sins” podcasts with me over the past couple of years and this one is chock full of great advice [38:38]. Josh is a very preceptive angler and thinks deeply about how flies behave in the water and how trout react to them, and in the interview we go off on a number of tangents—all interesting and all about nymph fishing—and all of them with great advice on how to make your indicator nymphing game more fun and productive.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great tips and questions from listeners, including:

A terrific tip on why tying tube flies is a great way to get kids started

What kind of other storage systems does Tom use around his roll-top desk?

Where can I learn more about fly fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass?

What do you suggest for preventing cutoffs by chain pickerel?

Can I use sitka or axis deer, antelope, or goat hair for fly tying?

A great tip on replacing wing cases on smaller nymphs with a drop of UV cure resin Should I use my leader straightener?

Can I do longline French/Spanish nymphing with a two-handed rod?

How can I locate pinhole leaks ion my waders?

How do older series of rods compare to the modern ones? What is better about the more recent models?

I know your higher-end rods are made in Vermont, but where do the components come from?

Why do Americans shoot and kill birds?

What is a good two-line rotation for streamer fishing in Michigan? I

kept my fiberglass rod in a hot car and now I notice it has a kink in it. Could the hot car have been the reason?

Public Stream Access Update, with Land Tawney Mar 04, 2022

This week my guest is Land Tawney [25:52], CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and we discuss recent issues regarding public access on rivers in Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico. This is a timely topic, as public access advocates just won a big court victory in New Mexico (Phil please link to your blog post). I hope the podcast will get you up to speed on how stream access is handled by states, and I think you’ll see some positive news on all the great work Back Country Hunters and Anglers and other public access groups have been doing on our behalf. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips from listeners:

A tip from a listener on another natural material to use as a trailing shuck.

Is it wrong for me to ask a fly shop to let me test a fly line before I buy it?

How do you choose between using head cement or UV cure epoxy?

What do you think about using perfection loops to attach tippets instead of using a tippet ring?

What does Tom research before fishing new water?

A tip from a listener about another way to organize fly-tying materials.

A request for a podcast on tying classic salmon flies.

A listener expresses his disappointment in my not mentioning organizations like Casting for Recovery or Project Healing Waters in a discussion on the spiritual nature of fly fishing.

Winter fly-fishing secrets, with Noelle Coley Feb 25, 2022

This week my guest is Noelle Coley [41:25] of Blackfoot River Outfitters in Missoula, Montana. Noelle is a serious winter fly fisher, with experience both in Colorado and Montana. She gives us great tips on flies, techniques, and of course dressing to keep warm. WE can all benefit from her experience and have more fun—and stay more comfortable—while fishing in the depths of winter.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions form listeners, including:

What do you think about shaming on social media about how people handle fish?

What should I do if I see someone spin fishing in an area that is clearly marked “Fly Fishing Only”?

Will my 6-weight rod be enough for fishing for bonefish in the Florida Keys?

Which rod should I use for swinging wet flies?

What tips do you have for taming deer hair when tying Comparaduns?

What should I do with a bunch of older fly rods that I no longer need?

Can a dropper fly on a two-fly rig create problems with hooking trout?

Why do fly fishers use such light tippet when conventional anglers can get away with using heavier line?

What do you suggest for a natural material to replace Antron on an emerger shuck?

I fish three nymphs on a rig. What’s a good strategy for replacing patterns if the ones I am using are not working?

I have a 4-weight line and want to buy a fiberglass rod for fishing small streams. Should I get a 3-weight and overline the rod or stick to a 4-weight rod?

What tips do you have for traveling with fly-fishing gear?

I have an Encounter 5-weight rod and am just starting out. When will I know when it’s time to upgrade, and how much difference will an upgraded rod make?

How to Find Your Own Small Stream, with Donna Smith Feb 18, 2022

Finding those tiny, unpressured trout streams is a delightful form of exploration. You won’t find them on the internet or in books or magazine articles—at least the ones you really want to fish. But finding a small stream that you’ll probably have all to yourself and discovering the delights of catching eager trout on dries and nymphs—and sometimes small streamers—is one of the purest ways of enjoying fly fishing. Donna Smith [48:38], a member of the Orvis Outfitter team and an expert on small stream trout fishing tells us how to go about it.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some perplexing and interesting questions, as well as some tips from listeners, including:

Do textured lines spook fish when making noise going through the guides?

What happened to the Orvis Superfine Fiberglass rods? I

have a very fast action 10 weight rod and it’s difficult to feel it load with a 10-weight line. Do you think I can put an 11-weight line on it?

Any thoughts on de-barbing bonefish and permit flies?

How about stocking minnows and crayfish in streams. Do you think it’s a bad idea?

If I am fishing a bunch of rising fish and a bunch of anglers are standing on the bank waiting for me to leave, what should I do?

Why can I catch lots of fish when I go out into the wilderness but not when I am fishing the stocked river that’s right in town?

If trout are so sensitive to drag on a dry fly or nymph, why do they take a swinging soft hackle?

Great suggestions from a listener on how to avoid over-pressuring fish by modifying our behavior.

What does Tom think are the most difficult techniques in fly tying?

Why are there no sea-run rainbows in Connecticut?

Is the casting technique you use to cast poly leaders the same as you would use for an over-lined rod?

The Native Fish Coalition, with Bob Mallard Feb 11, 2022

This week, my guest is the executive director of the Native Fish Coalition, Bob Mallard [42:09], who tells us why the organization was formed and what they do. His group took issue with some of the sentiments expressed in last week's podcast with Kirk Deeter, so to give everyone a broader view of the issue of wild native fish (as opposed to just wild fish, and Bob explains the difference in the podcast) I invited Bob to come onto the podcast to explain to us just how precious native or indigenous species are. There is much food for thought here and I hope it makes everyone think about the issues involved.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the usual roundup of interesting and sometimes tricky questions, and some great tips from listeners, including:

How even native black bass in the South are threatened by stocking of non-native varieties

Why doesn't the Orvis Learning Center talk about the spiritual value and nature of fly fishing?

What is the best all-around color for polarized sunglasses?

What's up with bead heads? Insects don't have metal heads.

A great tip from a listener on how to apply eyes to minnow patterns without getting your fingers stuck together with Super Glue.

How can I straighten a bunch of old saddle hackles that have a kink in them?

How do you deal with negative attitudes you hear spouted on the water?

A tip from a listener on how to magnetize or demagnetize a pair of forceps or a dubbing needle.

What fly-tying material does Tom feel is underutilized?

A comment from a listener on how something said on a podcast had a big influence on him regarding the "hero shot".

Why am I only catching whitefish, and do people like catching them?

Why haven't we tried restocking aquatic insects in rivers where they have become scarce?

What is Tom's favorite non-fish wildlife encounter on the river?

Talking Trout with Kirk Deeter Feb 04, 2022

Have we gone too far with native species? with Kirk Deeter This week, my guest is Kirk Deeter, editor of Trout Magazine. Kirk is never one to shy away from controversy, and our topic this week is the concept of native species and the feasibility of trying to turn back the clock. We also ramble a bit about the state of the fly-fishing world in general, but as always Kirk is thoughtful and incisive in his views.

In the Fly Box this week we have some especially great tips from listeners and some interesting questions:

Some great tips from a listener on how to hook gar on the fly without resorting to yarn

A comment from a listener on the probability of tiger trout being produced naturally in wild trout populations.

Do I need a click-and-pawl reel on my bamboo rod, and do I need to get a special fly line?

Do you have some tips for catching bonefish in the Florida Keys by wading from shore?

How should I clean my waders if I fish multiple watersheds in a single day?

Because mayfly nymphs wiggle their tails in the water, why don't we tie more nymphs with flexible tails?

What are the essential fly materials to take if you're going to tie on a fishing trip?

How can I catch smallmouth bass on a fly in deep lakes?

A great tip from a listener on how to pick up beads and hooks around your tying bench--and also to recapture flies that fall out of your box on the river.

A great tip from a listener on how to practice casting heavily weighted flies.

I found a fly line that had been soaking in salt water.

Do you think it's still good to use?

How do I de-magnetize a pair of forceps?

How can I target trout in small creeks during the winter?

Casts for Difficult Trout, with Pete Kutzer Jan 28, 2022

This week, my guest is Orvis casting guru Pete Kutzer, and we talk about casts for difficult trout. Often you don't need great casting skills or special casts to catch trout, but there are times when a little razzle-dazzle will make the difference. Pete talks about those situations and what to do--and he also introduces a new way of making a Bow-and -Arrow cast that was new to me. I think anyone can benefit from Pete's advice.

In the Fly Box this week, we have these great questions and tips from listeners:

What do you think about tying on eyeless hooks and making eyes out of silk bead cord?

What do you mean by the term "swinging flies"?

Can I target grass carp on a fly?

Can you ice fish with flies?

How do I fish a lake for trout from my kayak?

What do you think of the electric socks that are controlled by an app?

A great tip from a listener on avoiding spooking trout in small streams.

Can a figure-8 knot be used in fly fishing?

What do you recommend for a rod for fishing larger eastern rivers?

How can I correct a casting issue where my fly gets caught on my line-to-leader connection?

Do I need to buy a specific saltwater outfit for Belize or will my current steelhead rod work?

Do you recommend weed guards for fishing in Belize?

How much do brown trout move in the fall?

Do you think it's possible that a stocked tiger trout could have moved 30 miles from where it was stocked?

Can I overline my 3-weight rod by two line sizes for really short casts?

My wife has problems with glare on the water. Do you think there is something wrong with her eyes?

Which precautions should I take releasing trout in subzero weather?

All About a Magic Fly Tying Material with Tim Flagler Jan 21, 2022

I frequently get questions about CDC or Cul de Canard, a special feather found on ducks that makes very effective dry flies, emergers, and nymphs. What is it? Where does it come from? Why is it so special? What kinds of CDC are there, and how do you use it? And when fishing these flies, how do you treat them. My friend (and friendly nemisis from our monthly fly-tyig tie-offs) Tim Flagler [46:41] and I tell everything we know about CDC and its uses. I hope this answers many of your questions.

In the Fly Box this week, we have great tips from listeners and questions, including:

A tip for fly fishers who suffer from arthritis

Would it be better for me to take lessons on the water or hire a guide?

What are the best saltwater knots?

How do I avoid hitting myself and other people in the boat when fishing a heavy streamer?

Tips from a listener on repairing old bamboo rods, and advice for finding them at tag sales and reconditioning them

How do I pick up small hooks and beads that I drop off my tying table?

Can I overline my 3-weight fiberglass rod by two line sizes for fishing small streams?

Advice from a listener on cleaning and maintaining cork grips

What do you wear under electric socks?

Can I take some old flies and add a parachute to them?

What do you recommend I tie with all these game bird feathers I have been saving from my hunting trips?

When do you use wire, and when do you use beads on nymphs?

Do stocked fish push wild fish out of their normal places?

How do I keep my Elk Hair Caddis wing from rotating after I fish them for awhile?

The Stupid Things we do for Trout, with Doug Thompson Jan 14, 2022

Todays guest might make you mad. If you’re a trout angler he will certainly make you feel uncomfortable. Doug Thompson [37:29] is the author of The Quest for the Golden Trout, and the book is not what you think it might be from the title. He is a professor in geoscience and environmental studies and does research in geomorphology and hydrology. In examining critically what we do to ensure trout fishing, Douglas Thompson gores some sacred cows, including our obsession with stocking trout, non-native species we introduce, the way we manipulate the physical structure of rivers to benefit trout, and even the fishing tackle industry itself. You might think this book would make me angry, but it’s carefully researched and argued and has made me look differently at the structure of our entire trout-fishing industry.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips, including:

How do I repair an exposed thread and a bent ferrule on my bamboo fly rod?

How do I know when it's time to replace my sinking line?

How can I distinguish between weighted and unweighted flies? Do people fish for walleye and American shad with a fly rod? If so how do they do it?

Why do I foul hook fish when fishing with two nymphs?

Which floating line is best with my 10-foot 3-weight Clearwater?

Do you have some tips for casting with a sinking line?

A tip on feeling better about getting skunked

A story about why we should always debarb our hooks

What does Tom do when he is in a slump?

Modern Smallmouth Secrets, with Tim Landwehr Jan 07, 2022

This week, my guest is Tim Landwehr [43:50], of Tight Lines Fly Fishing Company in De Pere, Wisconsin. Tim has decades of experience guiding for smallmouth bass and is co-author of a book on fly fishing for smallmouths. He shares some innovative and modern techniques for catching difficult smallmouths under all conditions, some you have probably never heard of or thought about.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, including:

When I am Euro nymphing, why do trout always take my fly on the swing, after it has finished its dead drift?

I have trouble seeing my beetle imitations on the water. What can I do?

Why did trout, after refusing countless dead drifts during a spinner fall, take my fly as I stripped it back to me?

If you had to fish nymphs that only imitated one order of insects, which one would it be?

If I simplify my nymph collection to more generic imitations, will I do as well as if I worry about imitating specific insects?

What is the difference between a Comparadun and a Sparkle Dun and which one is better?

If I have the same guide two days in a row, should I tip him or her both days?

How many indicators should I carry for a day of fishing?

Do you prefer the Helios 3 D or F model in a 9-foot, 5-weight rod?

A fly shop owner told me not to submerge my reel. Was he right?

What is the best way to store dry flies?

A listener gives another good reason to always tie or buy three flies of the same pattern

How can I eliminate wind knots in my dry dropper rig? What is the best way to fish in the surf?

10 Ways to Become a Better Fly Fisher, with Todd Tanner Dec 30, 2021

This week, my guest is Todd Tanner [39:47], a journalist who writes for many of the fly-fishing websites and magazines and is Fly Fishing editor of Sporting Classics magazine. Todd is also the president of Conservation Hawks, an organization dedicated to educating fishers and hunters on the threats of climate change, and is the president of the School of Trout. Todd is a thoughtful guy, and he discusses the ten things he sees as essential to becoming a great fly fisher. And no, we don't talk about choosing the right fly or using the correct knot. I think some of his thoughts about this topic will surprise you and may make you think differently about your path to becoming happier and less insecure on a trout stream.

We have some great questions and tips in the Fly Box this week, including:

I want to start Euro nymphing. What's most important--should I look at a new rod, a new reel, or a new line?

Which is better for a bonefish leader--nylon or fluorocarbon?

A high school senior informs us of a conservation issue and an innovative way to raise funds for the cause.

What books should I get as a guide to western hatches?

Is it a good idea to attach my leader to a permanent section of monofilament with a blood knot as opposed to a loop-to-loop connection?

Tips from a listener on the value of journaling and how to make an insect seine out of your landing net.

Should I be using fishing clasps on my trout flies? Is it OK to practice casting in the snow?

What should I look at when upgrading my small-stream trout rod?

Can steelhead mate with resident rainbows?

A suggestion from a listener on why a "dangling" fly is attractive to trout.

Removing the Snake River Dams, with Chris Wood Dec 17, 2021

As part of Trout Unlimited's weeklong emphasis on the Snake River salmon and steelhead restoration plan, my guest this week is Chris Wood [50:25], president and CEO of Trout Unlimited. Our topic is the plan to remove four dams on the lower Snake River, a monumental project that offers great benefit to this river's historic anadromous fishery, which has been in great decline over the past 50 years. When I first heard of this, I thought it would be a pipedream to even think of removing these dams that supply hydropower, transportation, and irrigation. But Chris has convinced me that those beneficial uses can now be replaced with alternative means, and there is a real possibility of seeing these dams removed in our lifetime. Hopefully, he'll convince you as well.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips shared by listeners, including:

How can I land large trout on tiny size 22 nymphs?

What can I do to move a big fish that sulks on the bottom?

Can you share a few of your DIY hacks for your fly-tying desk?

A tip from a listener never to buy or tie just one of a particular pattern.

Can I use an old Battenkill 3 reel on my new Clearwater 10-foot 3-weight for Euro nymphing?

If you hook a fish deep in the mouth, is it OK to leave the fly in the fish?

What is the best way to fish a dry fly directly downstream?

Are there special casts I can use? Why did the brown trout in my stream disappear around the middle of October?

Why do trout eat my nymphs after they have been hanging below me for 10 seconds?

What is a formula for a 15- or 18-foot knotted leader?

If I see creek chubs in a pool, should I expect brook trout will be there as well?

What is Tom's opinion on the practice of stocking cutthroat trout in eastern rivers?

A tip for keeping Sink Putty from sliding up your leader.

What are Tom's thoughts on what social media has done to fly fishing?

What are some techniques for catching trout that live in undercut banks?

All about Emergers with Tim Cammisa Dec 10, 2021

I get frequent questions about fishing emergers and it's a confusing subject. Do I fish one like a nymph, or do I fish one like a dry, and how deep should I fish it. My guest this week, Tim Cammisa [41:06], is a well-known fly tier who specializes in doing presentations on tying and fishing emergers, so I thought it would be great to get his tips on them.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and thoughtful tips from listeners, including:

How do you deal with adding and removing split shot?

What should I use to touch up the finish on an old bamboo fly rod?

I have some old leader material that is difficult to tighten. Is it because the nylon is old?

Why do we think we need so much backing on reels?

And why are light lines as long as heavier lines?

Can I wear hunting waders for winter fishing?

Will stocked trout spawn in rivers if they survive to spawning season?

A great tip from a listener on handy modifications you can make to any fly-tying vise

Do you know of one pair of sunglasses that will adapt to changing light situations?

I am confused by all the hook styles and bead types for Euro nymphs. Can you narrow it down to three styles of hooks and beads in various sizes?

What do you think of fishing pegged beads?

If I tie a mono rig, can you clinch knot the mono directly to the permanent loop in the fly line?

For prescription sunglasses, what color lens and brand do you recommend?

The Resilience of Steelhead, with Dr. Guy Fleischer Dec 04, 2021

This week, my best is Dr. Guy Fleischer [35:30], science advisor for the Wild Steelhead Coalition (wildsteelheadcoalition.org). We discuss the proposed closure of steelhead fishing on the Olympic Peninsula, how ocean changes affect steelhead survival, and the steelhead life cycle, with an emphasis on how resilient steelhead populations are if we give them half a chance. (we'll also be publishing a podcast in the next two weeks with Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited, on the potential removal of four dams on the lower Snake River).

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including:

What flies do you like for the Green Drake hatch?

What should I do in the winter months to get ready for next season?

Can I land big fish on a Euro nymphing rod without worrying about the rod breaking?

When is it time to tie a whole new leader onto your line? How can I catch smallmouth bass in cold water?

How do I wade a body of water without spooking fish?

Advice from a listener on how to find spawning white bass Tips from a listener on a good way to create a fishing journal using free web resources.

How do I fish an emerger just a couple inches below the surface?

Would it be geeky if I took a bunch of Frisbees or other targets to a fly shop to evaluate a new rod at varying distances?

Has anyone been able to distill nine fly boxes into one to eliminate the bulk and clutter?

Kelsey Rosborough on Alternatives to steelhead in the Pacific Northwest Nov 27, 2021

There is nothing more magnificent than a wild steelhead on the fly but because of poor returns this season fishing for them will be limited. That's no reason, though, to park your fly rods in the garage. The PNW has some alternative species that although are not native, they are a worthy target on a fly rod: carp and smallmouth bass. And they're not going away so we might as well enjoy them. Join my guest Kelsey Rosborough [52:15] from the Orvis Outfitter Team (those knowledgeable folks who answer your technical questions when you call, e-mail, or chat about fishing products) as he tells us where to find these fun fish and how to target them.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and great tips from listeners, including:

How can I stop crowding the heads when tying flies?

Where does the saying "bright day-bright fly, dark day-dark fly" come from and is there any scientific basis to it?

Why do I get left with curly ends when tying a clinch knot?

My fly line always gets tangled when walking from one spot to another. How do I fix that?

Should I expect spawning striped bass/white bass hybrids in inlets to a lake?

Recommendations from a listener in Sweden about how to stay warm when fishing in the winter.

How long is too long when playing a fish?

What is the right balance between not horsing them in and getting them in quickly?

How long does a typical fly last?

What do other people do regarding fly-fishing journals? Does Tom keep one?

Two tips from a listener on handling wires when tying flies

A listener in Australia wonders why he has more success with an Elk Hair Caddis than an X-Caddis

Charlie Robinton on California Trout Fishing Nov 19, 2021

This week my guest is Charlie Robinton [52:00], one of the experts from the Orvis Outfitter team (the people who answer your technical questions when you call, chat, or e-mail). Charlie is an expert in California fishing, and he gives us a grand tour of northern California rivers and what to expect when you plan a fishing trip there. Lots of solid information form a lifelong fly fisher and California native.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great tips and questions from listeners (as well as a complaint), including:

Is there a way to determine what size fly line is best on an unmarked rod at home?

What is your advice on fishing stocked-only streams?

Can I practice my double haul with the Practi-Caster?

A listener takes me to task for saying on a previous podcast that if I were back in the 1880s and had the choice of whether or not to stock brown trout, would I do it?

As well as avoiding reds during the spawning season, shouldn't we take care not to step on them throughout the winter?

Any advice for fishing for carp in moving water?

I forgot my leader and had to fish with just a couple pieces of tippet material, 3X and 5X. What would you have done?

How does the time of day and the moon phase affect trout fishing? I am fishing large bass flies and have little back cast room. Any advice?

I can't catch fish on beetle imitations. Any advice?

What advice do you have for someone who is used to small streams and wants to fish big water?

Why don't saltwater guides use nets?

Erica Nelson on Finding the Right Fishing Guide Nov 12, 2021

This week my guest is Orvis-endorsed guide Erica Nelson [36:12]. Erica gives us tips on how to hire a guide, how to find the right guide, how to manage expectations with a guide, how to tip a guide, and what to do if your guide trip is a disaster. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and comments, including: Can I use the 10-foot, 3-weight Recon rod for both Euro nymphing and small-stream trout fishing? What has Tom learned lately? Has he had any "aha" moments? A listener makes the point that the overharvest of menhaden, a valuable forage fish, threatens our saltwater gamefish populations on the Atlantic Coast, and gives a great book recommendation on the topic. A listener asks if he should consider the shorter 8-weight Blackout rod for a wide variety of fishing situations. Thoughts from a listener on the value of native fish populations A suggestion from a listener on two items every fly fisher who goes off the grid should carry I had a rainbow trout nose my fly and slap the fly with its tail six times. Why did the fish do that?

Reed Teuscher on Planning Your Dream Trip to Alaska Nov 05, 2021

Everyone should experience Alaska at least once in their lifetime, and if you are a fly fisher it is a place like no other. But there are different seasons, even during their short summer, and if you have your heart set on a particular species you need to pay attention to the timing of your trip. Reed Teuscher [32:21] is one of 14 people in our Outfitter Group, full-time Orvis experts who handle your fly fishing questions when you e-mail fishing@orvis.com, call 888-709-4732, or when you use the chat on our web site. This team includes guides, past Orvis retail store fishing managers, and other experts. You're not reaching a random call center, you're connecting with experts in the field who understand fly-fishing conditions and tackle. Reed was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, earning his fly fishing stripes chasing trout on Willamette Valley rivers and their tributaries. After relocating to central Oregon, chasing steelhead on the North Umpqua and Deschutes rivers honed his passion for 2-handed rods. Having now been in the fly fishing industry for almost 2 decades, 2 ½ of those with Orvis, he’s chased fish around a good portion of the world. Besides working in and running fly shops, he’s guided in the Pacific NW, western NY, and Alaska. I

n the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions from listeners, including:

Is casting a 10-foot, 3-weight Euro nymphing rod with a dry fly different from other fly casting?

If I am not very tall, should I consider a longer Euro nymphing rod because I can't wade as deep as some people?

How do you measure leaders and tippets?

When fishing a dry dropper, what is the percentage of fish caught on the dry as opposed to the dropper?

Why does Orvis no longer make one-piece fly rods?

What should I do when I see people keeping undersized striped bass?

Are bluefish declining?

Any thoughts on using tube flies?

How do I figure out fly sizes when picking them out of my box?

When is the best time to use a blood knot instead of a triple surgeon's?

When you only catch small fish in a spot, is it because they are easier to catch or because you are just fishing a spot where there are only small fish?

How can I stay off brook trout redds in the fall?

When fishing a dry dropper rig in a stream with brook and brown trout, I only catch brookies on the nymph but catch both brown and brook trout on the dry. Why is that?

Transcripts of Tom's shows are available 1-2 weeks after a show has been posted You can find them at howtoflifish.orvis.com.

Steve Ramirez author of Casting Forward Oct 29, 2021

This week my guest is Steve Ramirez [41:24], author of the book Casting Forward and the upcoming book Casting Onward. Steve is an articulate and passionate writer, and in the podcast we talk about the philosophical and personal aspects of fishing for native species, in his beloved Texas Hill Country and beyond.

In the Fly Box, we have some terrific questions this week, including:

Can I use my 7'11" 8-weight rod with a 5/6 reel and a 7-weight line?

I can hook fish on streamers using a floating line, but when I fish a sinking line I get lots of strikes but no hookup. What am I doing wrong?

An angler tells a tale of woe after getting scammed trying to buy a fly rod from an online swap forum.

I keep hearing about people catching 20 and 30 fish in an outing. Why can't I do that?

You said you throw out all your old nylon tippet after a year. Do I need to do that with heavier mono and old unused leaders as well?

I need a heavier rod than my 5-weight for redfish, pike, bass, and carp. Is a 9-foot, 8-weight Recon the right rod?

I have trouble casting a 12-weight and need help with my strength. What can I do to make longer casts with this rod?

Why is Euro nymphing more effective than fishing the standard way with an indicator and split shot? Is it because you spook fewer fish?

Why do people say fly fishing is not like it used to be?

I use an 8 1/2 foot 4-weight for brook trout but want to try a lighter rod like a 2-weight or 3-weight.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to a lighter rod?

Where on a trout are the taste organs?

Peter Jenkins and The Seven Seasons of Striper Fishing Oct 22, 2021

My guest this week is Peter Jenkins [33:40], longtime striper angler and owner of the Saltwater Edge Fly Shop, outside of newport, Rhode Island. Peter talks about the seven different seasons of striper fishing on the coast, and also about the plight of the striper populations in the Atlantic. It's still an awesome and productive fishery, however we know it could be even better with proper conservation measures. In the Fly Box this week, we have some thought-provoking questions and comments, including: A comment on the lack of small fly shops these days and the bewildering variety of equipment Do I want a Spey rod for shoreline fishing and smaller steelhead rivers? Do you think that trying different fly sizes is something that applies universally Should tiers have more than one fly-tying vise? Since most people fish nymphs these days and they catch more fish than other methods, should we be limiting the number of fish we catch and release> Is there ever a time when you should go a size or two larger on a fly? What feathers should I save from grouse, pheasants, and wild turkey? I lost two large rainbows because I had trouble handling my slack line. What can I do to prevent this?

A Sportsman's Life: Guides Remember Leigh Perkins Oct 15, 2021

Leigh H. Perkins, or LHP as he was known, was the driving force behind Orvis from 1965 into the 1990s and was a legendary marketing and outdoorsman. He passed away this summer and I wanted to interview some of his favorite guides and fishing buddies to give people a sense of what he was really like in the field [47:52]. He was fearless, always cheerful, and never had a bad day of fishing no matter what the conditions--a lesson for all of us. I hope you'll enjoy LHP stories from John Kowalski, Lori-Ann Murphy, and Rick Ruoff.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, including:

Which kind of poly leader should I get?

How do I keep my hands warm when fly-fishing in the winter?

A new fly fisher shares stories of rudeness and kindness on the water

I have been fishing a variety of fly patterns on a North Georgia stream, all in size 14, and can't catch any fish. What am I doing wrong?

If I am catching whitefish and suckers, am I fishing in the right place? How do I sort out the trout from the whitefish and suckers?

Why are the trout that used to eat my black Woolly Bugger still striking at it but not connecting?

Can I fish tenkara-style with a standard fly rod?

Does Tom have any questions for the listeners?

Are species-specific fly lines any good or is it just marketing? I have some hooks that are marked as 2X long with a 2X extended gap. Aren't these just hooks that are one size larger?

Western Native Trout Challenge, with Daniel Ritz Oct 08, 2021

My guest this week is Daniel Ritz [1:00:58], who recently completed the Master Caster level of the Western Native Trout Challenge. We talk about how he did it, what flies worked, and had a lot of discussion about what actually counts as a subspecies of trout. If you want to view his entire journey, it can be found at www.tu.org/magazine/author/daniel-ritz/

In the Fly Box this week, which was unusually long (either I talked too much or chose too many questions), we have these questions and tips:

Why does my line get twisted when I try to shoot line?

How do I know if the fly pattern I developed is really something new?

What would you recommend for a wing material on bonefish flies?

A question on exactly what hook shank measurements like 1X and 2X long mean, and what are they compared to?

Does a 10-foot 5 weight Recon have a softer tip or a heftier butt section as compared to shorter rods?

Is a 7-weight rod too light for pike fishing?

How do fall leaves in the water affect fishing and what should I do?

How do I get a non-weighted streamer deeper in the water column?

My old floating fly line has a tip that is sinking. Is there any way of fixing this?

Do brookies really drop down lower downstream in the fall after spawning?

I fish a small high-altitude stream and only catch small trout. Do you think there could be larger trout there?

What is a good step up from a cheapo fly-tying vise?

How do you gauge your speed on how fast to move in a small stream?

How do I catch the large trout in a small, clear stream with slow current? Is it ever appropriate not to tip a guide?

A transcript of this podcast will be available in approximately three weeks at howtoflyfish.orvis.com.

David Brooks on Saving Water for Trout Oct 01, 2021

In this week's podcast, my guest is David Brooks [43:45], executive director of Montana Trout Unlimited. With prevailing drought conditions in the western United Sates and increased demand from many users, from agriculture to municipalities to recreational angling, how can we balance the use of water? David explains the difference between the riparian doctrine used mostly in the eastern United Sates, and the prior appropriation doctrine used in western states, and explains how users have come together to apportion water for human use and for keeping enough water in rivers to support healthy trout populations. It's not easy and often contentious but it's a fascinating issue and there is hope that with wise use of water by all stakeholders we can support ranchers, farmers, cities, and healthy trout populations.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and tips, including: A note from The Mayfly Project on cities where they're looking for volunteers to help mentor foster kids in fly fishing When I catch a fish and it jumps all over the pool, does that spook other fish? What is the best way to kill and prepare a trout for eating? How much distance do you gain from the double haul? What are the reasons for strip setting in salt water and not for trout? A tip on keeping your fly line from falling back inside the guides when making shorts casts on small streams A heartwarming thank-you note to Nick Lyons How can I keep my flies in the strike zone longer in fast-moving saltwater current? What is the best way to light a fly while it's in the vise? Why did people in a fly shop tell me that Euro nymphing is cheating? What is an appropriate amount to tip a guide, and is it the same from multiple days as it is for a single day? When the kokanee start running up into my trout stream the trout stop biting. Why? Which way would you lean for a dry-fly specific rod? My guide puts his thumb in the mouth of smallmouth bass to revive them. Is this effective and would it be valid for other species?

Backcast: Amelia Jensen on the Art of Spotting Trout Sep 23, 2021

[This episode was originally posted in April of 2018] This week I have a chat with Amelia Jensen, perhaps the best trout-spotter I have ever seen. I have always thought I was pretty god at seeing trout in the water, but Amelia can see fish I would never have spotted. Learn some of her secrets in this week’s podcast—you’ll be surprised at how often you can spot trout if you know what you’re looking for, even in fast, deep, or slightly off-colored water.

In the Fly Box this week we have the following tips and questions: · A tip from a listener on how to carry long pre-rigged fly assemblies

· A question about what fly to fish along with a streamer when swinging for spring trout

· A question on tips for spotting bonefish

· How should I fish the tails of pools?

· A listener tip on how to keep your hands warm when fishing

· Flashy vs. non-flashy nymphs and where to put them in your nymph rig

· A question about why fish get picky after catching a bunch of them from the same run

· Why do trout take dry flies when I don’t see any rising?

· Tips for avoiding spawning rainbow redds

Backcast: Davy Wotton and The Ultimate Wet-Fly Podcast Sep 17, 2021

Initially posted on July 28, 2019 This week, my guest is Davy Wotton, who is originally from Wales but now lives and guides on the White River in Arkansas. I get frequent questions about swinging soft hackles and wet flies, a technique that I am not the best at, so I brought in the angler whom I consider the ultimate expert on this kind of fishing. Davy blends the British traditions with American conditions, so he really has the best perspective on this kind of fishing, which can be both challenging and subtle—especially when fish are taking emergers. It’s a long podcast, but since I have never done one on this topic, I make up for lost time. And Davy had many interesting points to make. The Fly Box is a bit shorter this week because the main podcast is so long. But we cover some interesting questions, as usual: What can I do to keep my Stimulators floating? When do you fish a nymph and when do you fish a streamer? Can you use weed guards on trout flies? Why am I breaking off so many fish? Do some rod guides work better than others? More on pressure and its effects on fish What is the difference between a freshwater and saltwater rod? How can I see my fly in a fast riffle? How do I know if small streams hold trout? Why do trout bump my flies and why do they come off quickly?

Sascha Danylchuk on Species-Specific Release Techniques Sep 11, 2021

This week my guest is Sascha Clark Danylchuk [1:05:54], executive director of Keepfishwet.org and a fish biologist who has intensively studied the science of releasing fish in a responsible manner. We've talked a lot about trout lately in the podcast, so this one is on recommended release techniques for bass, panfish, pike, bonefish, redfish, and tarpon--plus a little on cold-water releases of trout.

In the Fly Box this week, we had an unusually good collection of questions and tips--maybe because I was out of the office for a couple weeks so I had a lot to choose from. I want to write a fishing book. What do you suggest? What is the proper etiquette when I see other people on the river? I need a Yellowstone cutthroat to complete my Utah cutthroat slam. They are only found in a small stream. How should I go about approaching this stream and what techniques should I use to make sure I complete my Slam? Why is wet-fly fishing often called a "lost art"? Why do I have trouble landing small brook trout on barbless hooks? Why do the trout in France bump my hopper flies and not always eat them? How do you approach a situation where insects are hatching but you don't see any trout feeding? How can I catch large trout rising infrequently in a very slow pool? A tip from a listener on how to get more fly-tying time Do lakes and ponds fish well in the rain? Some great advice from an Orvis-endorsed guide on fly-tying tips for beginners. Why don't fly-rod manufacturers use foam instead of cork for rod handles? How can I land large trout feeding on small flies? A tip for using a common kitchen product for cleaning cork handles on rods. Do modern ferrules still need wax? Is it possible that the large rainbows in Colorado reservoirs could be fall spawners?

John McPhee and his Favorite Fish Aug 20, 2021

This week's podcast guest is especially exciting to me as he is one of my literary heroes. John McPhee [24:10] is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author (Annals of the Former World), and in his numerous other books he has written about such diverse topics as nuclear energy, the merchant marine, basketball, Alaska, bark canoes, oranges, continental drift, flood control, tennis, farmer's markets, and many other eclectic topics. Whether or not you are interested in a subject, you can be sure you will be when you finish reading one of his books you will be fascinated. John has also been a staff writer for The New Yorker since the 1960s. In our interview, he talks about his two favorite fish to catch on the fly rod--the American shad (which he wrote an entire book about, The Founding Fish), and the chain pickerel, which he did not write a book about but did pen a short essay on in his collection of stories The Patch. (I doubt is anyone in the world who would count those two fish in combination as their favorites--but he is never conventional.) I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I enjoyed talking to him. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips: A reminder from a listener that I wrote an encyclopedia of fly fishing Some great tips from a listener on using tippet rings A question about what constitutes a watershed when concerned about transporting aquatic invasives A suggestion from a listener on ways to offset your carbon footprint when taking fishing trips Which is a better rod for fishing the surf and jetties--a traditional 9-foot 9-weight rod or a two-handed rod? Do you always recommend using a net? A listener calls me on the carpet for my flippant remark about manhandling carp. A great thought from a listener that sometimes taking photos of fish hinders the moment.

Amelia Jensen on Lowering Fish Mortality with Better Photo Techniques Aug 13, 2021

This week my guest is the great Amelia Jensen [53:09], one of the best trout anglers in the world and also a superb videographer. Our topic is one that is top of mind to a lot of people in the fly-fishing world this summer: how we can continue to fish for trout and get photos of them while minimizing mortality to the fish and reducing handling time. One of the best ways to do this is to take photos of fish (especially trout) without taking them out of the water. This does present challenges but it's not impossible to get a great photo of a trout while water is still running over its gills. Amelia shares the tips she has learned over the years. Lots of questions and tips from listeners in the Fly Box this week, including: How do I clean up the cork grips on my fly rods? Is there any difference in performance with a dry dropper when the nymph is tied to the eye of the dry fly instead of the bend? Is it true that by keeping trout larger than 15 inches we'll make more room for smaller trout in a stream? How do you know when to leave an area or continue fishing it? A great pep talk from an experienced angler on learning fly fishing without a mentor How can I get rid of clumps in my rabbit fur dubbing? How can I catch spooky catfish on a fly rod? Is there any difference between tying dumbbell eyes on top of the shank or under the shank? Some great tips on carp fishing from an experienced carp angler from Germany Is it a good idea to freeze my wading boots to kill aquatic invasives? How can I decide between a vest and a sling bag? Can I fish dry flies with my Euro nymphing line? Do brook trout migrate to get away from warmer water? Where do you use tippet rings? Is it a good idea to build knotted trout leaders with loop-to-loop connections? What should I look for if I am going bonefishing without a guide and I have never fished in salt water before? I am going bonefishing but to date have only fished for trout. What adjustments do I need to make? I need advice on setting the hook on steelhead when swinging Intruders If I bend a small hook in my tying vise, can I put it back into shape without ruining it?

Late Summer Smallmouth Tips, with Colby Trow Aug 06, 2021

This week my guest is Colby Trow [38:08] of Mossy Creek Fly Fishing, one of the best smallmouth bass anglers I know. Colby talks about successful techniques in catching these critters in late summer, when they can be harder to catch than earlier in the season. The good news is that it's one of the best times to catch them on a surface fly like a popper or hair bug, which is always the most fun. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners: A listener who makes the point that it's quicker to land trout on light tippets with a Euro rod Can I fish carp flies with an indicator? Are treble hooks more harmful than single point barbless hooks? What do I do when trout take my hopper patterns deep? Should I leave the fly in them? I have trouble catching smallmouths in clear water. Any suggestions? Where do you store your leader between fishing trips? A tip from Sam, fishing manager at Orvis Houston, on catching redfish in dirty water What are the advantages and disadvantages in using a pedestal vise as opposed to a C-clamp? How do I choose which size hair stacker to use? How can I fish size 18-22 nymphs in four feet of fast water? A suggestion for using 7 1/2-foot leaders in small streams in the Driftless Region Can I put a 7-weight sinking line on my 5-weight rod? If I am catching trout in small mountain streams where the water is cold enough, do I need to worry about them moving downstream into warmer temperatures after I release them? How many phone calls and questions do you get per week? When I switch from Euro nymphing to my regular trout rod, I keep breaking off fish. Is this normal?

A Case for the Fly Fishing Life, with David Coggins Jul 30, 2021

This week my guest is David Coggins [42:24], author of the new book The Optimist, A Case for the Fly Fishing Life. David is a traditionalist and I give him some good-natured ribbing about being an anachronism, but David handles it well and tells some great stories as well.

In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of questions and tips from listeners, including:

What is the best way to tie a fly for gar and how do I fish for them?

Why did I foul hook two trout in a row on dry flies?

What kind of rum do you prefer?

A great tip from a listener that rubber soles on wading shoes are far preferable to felt in the snow.

A tip from a listener that when urban fly fishing, make sure you look behind you as many people don't know you are flinging a hook through the air.

Do I need to worry about my rod and reel in a car-top carrier in the hot Georgia sun?

A tip from a listener on using heavier nymph hooks on foam dry flies to keep them from tipping over.

A listener asks me my preferences in fly-tying vise brands.

A listener asks about Orvis' commitment to diversity and climate activism and asks why we don't have a government relations office.

A suggestion from a listener for developing self-bailing waders

Why did I see a bunch of smallmouth bass jumping out of the water like crazy when there was not an insect hatch?

What can I do if I don't like a loop-to-loop connection on my leader?

How do I fish a bass popper in a fast-flowing river?

How can I get my crayfish pattern deeper?

How To Find Great Carp Fishing Jul 23, 2021

In our campaign to take pressure off our over-stressed trout rivers during this hot, dry summer I figured a great topic would be how to find carp fishing spots. Not every place that holds carp is conducive to fly fishing, but when you find the right spot, you'll find endlessly fascinating opportunities to catch these often difficult gamefish that will test your drag like no other freshwater fish (besides steelhead and salmon). So I enlisted Dan Frasier [46:00] to talk about how to find the best carp spots, when and where to target them, how to present the fly, and how to determine when a carp has eaten your fly. Carp are tough and resilient and you don't need to worry about hurting them, no matter how warm the water temperature. Next to trout, they're the most interesting fish to chase in fresh water and the closest you'll get to saltwater flats fishing without leaving home. In the Fly Box this week, as usual we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including: Do certain trout get acclimated to either very high or low temperature regimes? Why do I foul hook a lot of fish when Euro nymphing? Why does my Euro rig break above the tippet ring? A casting tip using the analogy of a tomato on a stick Does Orvis have a secret warehouse full of older discontinued products? How can I keep track of tiny emergers in the surface film? Do you recommend felt soles or rubber with cleats for wading boots? When fishing for panfish, does having an indicator on the leader hinder my presentation when I strip the fly? Why are my surgeon's knots breaking when using 10-pound test for panfish? What is the difference between regular CDC and CDC puffs? Some tips from a listener on traveling with fly-fishing gear Is it OK to hold a fly rod on the blank above the grip when playing a large fish? A tip from a listener on using a lint roller to keep the fly-tying desk clean Is there any reason to put fly dressing on a yarn strike indicator? Will my freshwater reels work OK in salt water? Why do my foam dry flies sometimes land upside-down?

Are Montana's Trout in Trouble? With Pat Byorth Jul 16, 2021

This week we continue our exploration of Trout in Trouble, specifically in Montana. Pat Byorth [52:56], Montana Fish Commissioner [52:56], and I discuss the current decline of brown trout in southwest Montana, what you should do if you fish there during this hot, low-water year, and what the future may hold. He'll give some good advice on being a responsible angler during this tough period.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, comments, and tips, including: Not all Scandinavians hold their rods high when playing fish What can I do to find trout in pools in big rivers? Whay would a trout refuse my size 14 mayfly and then take a stonefly nymph? Why is my back cast dropping? A tip for making copper tungsten beads into matte gray beads with a lighter How do I teach kids how to cast a nymph rig? Why do my Elk Hair Caddis flies only float briefly? What is the best way to renew a dry fly tied with snowshoe rabbit fur? Some tips for a listener who had trouble mending line How often should I fish with a guide and how often should I fish alone if I want to learn more? Where is there no zonked gray squirrel available? How do I repair streamers where the coneheads, beads, or dumbbell eyes twist after a few uses? Why did I use five bluefish in a row? Can you fish tandem streamers? A listener corrects my physics knowledge How can I fish nymphs on a day so windy it blows my indicator downstream? A tip from a listener on using Euro nymphing techniques with an indicator. Is there a standard for hook wire gauge so I can determine when a clinch knot won't work?

How does water temp affect trout behavior? With John McMillan Jul 09, 2021

This week I am delighted to have biologist John McMillan back as my guest. John gives us a detailed view on the affect of water temperature on a trout's metabolism, particularly at the upper end of their safe range. In this summer of low flows and high water temperatures nearly everywhere in North America, it's a critical topic. And as usual, John puts his critical eye on how we, as anglers, can mitigate these effects by changing our fishing behavior. John is never without optimism, and I think you'll enjoy his discussion and learn more about trout biology and how we can be more responsible anglers.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners: Why did my guide tell me to use heavier tippets? Why did she suggest this would put less stress on the fish? A suggestion from a listener on getting an old bamboo rod and refurbishing it to bring one back to life. What is the difference between hen and partridge? How do I know where to find trout streams? What size should I tie my ants in? A new way of tying a clinch knot with heaver hooks is suggested by a listener Why, when fishing with a dry dropper, do I only catch browns on the nymph and only cutthroats on the dry? What do you suggest for catching pressured largemouths in summer? A belated Father's Day message Can I use the Euro nymphing method from a drift boat or float tube? Why am I having trouble mending at 30 feet with a dry dropper? When tying a Chubby Chernobyl, how do you get the legs to separate? When you see a large mammal like a beaver or otter in the river, is it time to move on? Why do I catch myself with my fly when casting? Is it OK to dry my waders and boots in the sun? How should I handle my gear for air travel? Why do I keep losing fish when using bead head flies? Does using a frog pattern change the flex of my rod? Why do Scandinavians hold their rods so high when playing a fish?

An All Fly-Box Episode Jul 01, 2021

This week I have no guest interview but a ton of questions waiting in the podcast mailbox so I did an all-Fly Box podcast to catch up on questions. By popular demand, I've started to recommend some books on the podcast. This week I recommend my three favorite books on trout biology and natural history.

In the long Fly Box this week, we have these great questions and tips from listeners: A tip on putting a four-piece rod together A tip on where to park your rod when landing a fish Can I use my 9-foot, 5-weight rod for saltwater fishing in the Bay area? Do you think we are in danger of interfering with the natural spread of species, for instance by removing musky from lakes that were not there historically but have spread there naturally? Why do I keep breaking off large trout on a 3X tippet? A very generous offer from a listener to pay for a guide trip for a young listener (from a past show) who has taken 60 trips for trout and has not caught one yet. Should I use a sinking or intermediate line for stripers in the Bay area? Are there any casting techniques I should practice before throwing bigger flies in salt water? A tip from a listener (after getting a tip from me) on the proper way to insert Orvis studs in wading boots. A great tip from a listener on using yellow sticky pads to keep coiled leaders in place. While stripping in my coiled line gets tangled. How can I fix that? How long do you use a fly before changing? And when do you decide to move? Do you believe "Right to Roam" laws like they have in Scotland would be beneficial to Americans? How do you properly de-barb a hook? What midge patterns should I use in Wisconsin? What would a well-rounded fly rod quiver for the eastern United States look like? I keep bumping my rod guides when taking apart my rod. How can I fix that, and how can I fix a loose guide? A caller letting me know that a co-host on one of our live events mis-spoke about how to assemble a rod. I can catch fish on a Parachute Adams and swung wet flies in a small stream but can't catch them on nymphs. What am I doing wrong? A listener who fixed a problem with breaking 4X tippet tied to a size 6 hook makes a suggestion on some great products. I am curious to buy a bamboo or fiberglass rod. Where should I start? What fly-fishing magazines does Tom read?

The Tailwaters of Missouri, with Carolyn Parker Jun 11, 2021

This week, my guest is Carolyn Parker of River Run Outfitters in Branson, Missouri [51:39]. Carolyn is a 20-year veteran of guiding tailwaters and a recipient of the Orvis Endorsed Program's Lifetime Achievement Award. Her specialty is fishing tailwaters, and you'll learn a lot about how to deal with fluctuating water levels and how to fish a river that has mostly midges and crustaceans instead of mayflies and caddisflies.

In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of questions and some long-winded answers, including: Why don't more people use furled leaders? When you say "don't land your fly line on the fish", does that include your leader and tippet? Why do you recommend fishing worm patterns in high, dirty water? How can I land striped bass in the surf? For two-fly rigs under indicators, do most guides prefer the second fly "in-line" or on a separate tag? How do you rank various considerations when picking a fly? When you are on new water and don't know what bugs are around, how do you pick a fly? Is a 9-foot 7-weight a good rig for fishing bass and streamers for trout? Why do some rods like the Superfines have cork reel seat inserts? Why does my leader kink when I use the Dorsey indicator method? What would you do if rain started and the trout stopped feeding? What rod should I pick to start fly fishing in smaller streams in West Virginia? If I want to upgrade my rod collection to some higher-end models, how should I prioritize my choices? Are centipedes a threat to fly-tying materials? A suggestion for removing epoxy from the eyes of flies with micro drill bits (with a caution from Tom) Suggestions for fishing for striped bass on the rocky shoreline in Rhode Island Why does my dropper connection always break instead of my tippet-to-fly connection? Why can't I catch any trout?

Atlantic Salmon Jun 04, 2021

This week my guest is Neville Crabbe of the Atlantic Salmon Federation [39:13]. He tells us the details of a major project to eradicate smallmouth bass from the famous Miramichi River, one of the most productive salmon rivers in the world. We all love smallmouths, but they don't belong in this river system and were introduced by misguided anglers.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, including: How should I fish an emerger? Can I fish it by itself? Any tips on catching grass carp? What's on Tom's bucket list for destinations? Will packets of desiccant gel help keep my fly boxes dry? Will cracks in my fly line change its grain weight? Why do fish keep "bumping" my swung wet flies? Any tips for fighting trout in shallow water? Why do steelhead roll? What is that little ring on the back end of the Chubby Duo Hopper fly? What are the differences between the various trout species? When Tom fishes with guides, does he use his own flies? Will a two-handed rod help my casting when I have tennis elbow? What fly line should I use for fishing for carp, bass, and pike in 10 to 15 feet of water?

Unraveling the Secrets of Stillwater Fly Lines, with Phil Rowley May 21, 2021

My guest this week is Phil Rowley [55:20], author of the just-released book The Orvis Guide to Stillwater Trout Fishing and fellow host for The New Fly Fisher TV show. Phil is a stillwater genius and he helps us untangle the confusion around fly lines for fishing in lakes and ponds, and exactly which lines you need.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, including: I have switched from a medium to fast action rod. Should I set the hook differently? How do I fish beaver ponds? Questions about Euro nymphing with a standard 9-foot, 5-weight rod and reel Do brown trout move in and out of bigger, warmer rivers? What is the best way to fish with midges? Will a floating tippet hurt my dry-fly presentation? What is the difference between up-eye, down-eye, and straight-eye hooks? Which dry flies do you apply flotant on? Where can I find good prescription polarized sunglasses? Are lighter wire hooks better for hooking fish on a downstream presentation? Why do fish follow my wet flies and not take them? A listener takes me to task for badmouthing the Madison River (and I deserved it) Why is Coq de Leon used so much for nymph tails? How do I fish a low-gradient stream with large boulders? How much backing do I put on my reel? What is the best rod for small-stream trout fishing?

Great Fly Fishing in California, with George Revel May 07, 2021

This week my guest is George Revel of Lost Coast Outfitters [@50:42], the only fly shop in downtown San Francisco. George is a lifelong fly fisher (he was a tournament caster when he was a teenager) and has intimate knowledge of the best fly-fishing spots in California. Whether you live on the West Coast and are looking for new places to explore, or if you plan a visit to California, this podcast is a must.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and comments, including: If you are unsure where the fish are, how long should your drift be and where should you place your fly? I have a 9-foot 5-weight rod and want one other rod to do everything else, from bass to steelhead to salt water. What additional rod should I buy? Why am I foul-hooking so many trout this year? A comment from a listener on why permit systems for our more crowded rivers may be needed. In cold water, will trout feed deeper than four feet? How important is it that my indicator and flies land in the same current? What kind of line, or weight on my leader, should I use when trolling for pike? Where is the best place to find an in-person fly-fishing mentor? Would it be harmful to my boots or waders if I spray insect repellent on them to keep ticks away? How far should you lead a trout you can see in a clear stream? What surface flies should I use for stripers on Cape Cod in late summer? How can I train my dog to be a good fly-fishing companion? Will steaming an old cork handle off a fly rod hurt the blank?

Overcrowding on Trout Streams, with Spencer Durrant Apr 23, 2021

Overcrowding is an issue on many of our more popular trout streams, and there is no easy solution. This week I join journalist Spencer Durrant [@40:06] to discuss what he sees are solutions to some of the problems, both in finding alternate places to fish and also how to behave if you find yourself on a crowded river.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and comments:

Are all gloves bad for handling fish? What section of a river should I fish and what areas of a river should I target at different times of day? Should I always fish a dry with a dropper and can I use this method in fast water? Can I get permission to get a tattoo of Tom on my arm? Are there any significant advantage of a 6-weight rod over a 5-weight? How can someone get into raising poultry for the fly-tying industry? How beat up can a streamer get and still be effective? Any insight in getting a fly-fishing class set up in my school? What do you think about people playing bluetooth speakers on steelhead rivers? How do I decide what flies to bring on a trip? Any old school tips you can share with us? Some great tips from a listener on the use of game bird feathers.

Seven Deadly Sins of Fly Casting, with Josh Nugent Apr 19, 2021

My guest this week is Josh Nugent of Out Fly Fishing Outfitters, an Orvis-endorsed outfitting service and fly shop in Calgary [@52:23]. Josh is a lifelong student of fly fishing and actually did a college-level study on the eye movements of expert fly casters. His findings will open your eyes (no pun intended) to some little tricks that will improve your casting accuracy.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and comments, including: Will stocked trout move around after they are initially stocked? How do I keep from losing my droppers when using barbless hooks? Can you give me some tips in fishing for bass in ponds in early season? Where do our fly-tying materials come from? Are they just repackaged products from other industries? How do I keep my rod sections from coming apart? A listener suggestion for books on hatches in east Tennessee from a question on a previous podcast I want to fish for smallmouths in a river and stripers in the ocean. What fly line should I get? What fundamentals go through your head on every single cast? A listener (and professional fisheries manager) takes me to task for badmouthing triploid trout. I am having trouble hooking fish in a lake when using a sinking line from my kayak. What am I doing wrong? I have an old South Bend bamboo rod. How should I fish with it? How do I eliminate "creep" in my cast? How can I get Dragon Tails to hold up better?

Ultimate Guide to the Cicada Hatch Apr 01, 2021

This week, I have a special guest--the world's foremost authority on the life cycle of cicadas and the most knowledgeable person in the world on techniques for fishing this "hatch". I've had a lot of questions on this topic and I've finally found the person who can answer them [32.53].

In the Fly Box this week, we have a number of very interesting questions, including: Do you think fish decoys will work for attracting trout? Can you tell us about the new electric fly rod coming out of Japan? What is your technique for making a dubbing loop using a Bimini Twist knot? Can I use UV cure epoxy for dry flies? I found a dead possum in the road. Can I use this for dubbing, and how should I prepare the skin? A listener who thinks his tippet material is defective What is the correct way to tie a loop knot? Advice on fishing a couple rivers in Montana A question about swinging flies on New York's Salmon River Is what I have done tenkara fishing? Advice to a gentleman who wants to become a permit guide Are egg patterns and San Juan Worms considered bait fishing?

Fly-Tying Material Subsitutions, with Cheech Pierce Mar 26, 2021

My guest this week is Cheech from Fly Fish Food [@36:00], a highly regarded tier and teacher whose videos are popular with serious fly tiers. He's an engaging character who knows fly materials inside and out. We talk fly material substitutions, particularly hook styles, and ramble on all sorts of things related to fly tying. I hope you find it as fun to listen to as I did to record it. In the Fly Box this week we have these questions and comments:

What do I use for leader formulas?
I am used to graphite; what should I expect from a short, delicate glass rod?
Can I vary from the 60:20:20 formula if I tie my own leaders?
A discussion of brook trout habitat and survival
I broke four inches off my old Trident TLS rod. It's no longer under the 25-year guarantee as my dad bought it in a pawn shop. Is there any way I can still use it?
What is a simple buggy nymph I can tie up, as a novice fly tier?
Why is my casting more accurate with my short fiberglass rod than with my longer, heavier graphite rods?
Do all fish behave the same?
Can you recommend a good hatch guide for Tennessee?

Norway's Jazz and Fly Fishing, with Havard Stubo Mar 19, 2021

This week my guest is Havard Stubo [@40:23] of Jazz and Fly Fishing. If you have not enjoyed one of their videos, it's a group of jazz musicians who also love fly fishing and decided to make some videos of their exploits. We think their films are quite entertaining and I think you'll appreciate their dry humor as a welcome respite from what you typically see in fly fishing films. Havard talks about fly fishing in Scandanavia, the relationship between jazz music and fly fishing (and tying) and other offbeat topics.

In the Fly Box this week, it seems like we have a spate of basic equipment questions, so unless you need some advice on rod, reel, and line selection you may want to skip right to the interview. Some of the questions include: I am interested in a lighter fiberglass rod but I have noticed some manufacturers recommend two lines sizes, like a 3 or 4. Which one should I pick? I want to fish a Depth Charge line down to 20 feet with my 8-weight. Should I get a 250 grain or 300 grain line? If I want to fish 5 to 6 feet under the surface, should I get a sink-tip or intermediate sinking line? Any advice on hook sets and fighting fish for rookie anglers? What is the maximum size fly I can use on my Clearwater 9-foot 5-weight rod? In nymph fishing, should I be watching the line or waiting to feel the strike? What would be a good rod for backpacking into lakes? Which sink rate should I choose when I buy a poly leader? How do I tell if an old fly line that was given to me is still usable? Should I get a 5-weight Clearwater or a 6-weight Clearwater for fishing small streams and small bass ponds in Pennsylvania? Why don't I see fiberglass rods heavier than an 8-weight? What are your thoughts about fishing for bass when they are spawning? What do I think of pink flies? And how important is color anyway? What do you do when a fish takes you down to your last couple turns of backing?

Planning a Big Trip to Big Sky Country, with Joe Moore Mar 12, 2021

Ever wanted to take a fishing trip to Montana (who doesn't)? For a first trip to the Rockies, generally I suggest people center in the greater Yellowstone area because of the vast amount of public land and great trout streams in that area, which includes portions of Wyoming and Idaho as well as Montana. This week I have enlisted a real expert on that area (not a tourist like me). Joe Moore [@48:55] is a longtime guide and owner of Big Sky Anglers located right in the middle of downtown West Yellowstone. Joe gives us some great tips on timing, tackle, and suggested rivers. Essential knowledge for your post-Covid road trip.

Lots of great questions in the Fly Box this week, including: How much backing should I put on my 6-weight reel? Is there such a thing as too much backing? How do I get my significant other into fly fishing? How can I fish for freshwater stripers in deep, murky water? Can I use barbless hooks for bass, pike, and musky? What is the best method for taking water temperatures? How important is it that nymphs drift in the upright position? I am taking a high mountain backpacking trip and only want to take one rod. Should I take my 3-weight or my 5-weight? What is that little spring behind the jaws of my vise? Do "triggers" on fly patterns work? Do weed guard interfere with solid takes? Do jig hooks really hang up less often that standard weighted patterns? How can I repair a fly line with a cut in it? Do you know anyone who has switched from casting right-handed to casting left-handed? Why are triploid trout stocked? Can I use a sinking poly leader for striped bass fishing?

Freshwater Stripers on the Fly, with Henry Cowen Mar 05, 2021

This week my guest is Henry Cowen [@49:05], author of the new book Fly-Fishing for Freshwater Striped Bass, which is really a complete guide to chasing these great gamefish. They get huge, they often feed in shallow water, and are just about the perfect fish to chase with a fly rod. You'll learn their seasons, how to present your fly, and what tackle and flies you'll need to chase them.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions from listeners, including: How do newer Orvis rods compare to older ones like the All-Rounder? Any tips for casting from a kayak? How do the Orvis Hydros and Pro lines compare? Their tapers look very different What do you think of Bob Wyatt's philosophy on trout in the book What Trout Want? What direction should I cast when fishing streams? Can all bead head patterns be tied with tungsten beads? Why are my head cements too thick? When looking for a new river to fish, what structure should I look for? A tip from a listener that sometimes beaver activity seems to attract trout. Does it matter which direction I twist my dubbing? How will the 17-year cicada affect fishing? Can I tie a piece of tippet to the main tippet above my lower fly with a clinch knot? Why do people always tie their heavier nymph on as the lower fly? I have better luck tying the heavier nymph above my smaller fly. Can I use the Palomar Knot to add a second fly above my lower fly without removing the lower fly?

Sometimes to save a river, you have to buy it Feb 26, 2021

In this week's podcast, we'll visit with the dynamic co-founder and president of Western Rivers Conservancy, Sue Doroff [34:50]. Over the past 30 years, Sue and her small, lean staff have protected nearly 400 miles of rivers with names like the Madison, Hoh, Klamath, and John Day--rivers beloved by fly fishers. If you've ever parked at Three Dollar Bridge on the Madison River, you can than the Western Rivers Conservancy for protecting that stretch of river from development and for maintaining public access. Find out about their unique special sauce and how they do this.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners: I know you should keep a fish upstream of you when fighting it. What do you do when fishing downstream? A warning and tip from a listener on the dangers of shelf ice in winter Should I use big articulated streamers like the Drunk & Disorderly for steelhead? Is a 9-foot 8-weight rod a good one for wading the beaches of Florida? I don't want to fish weighted flies and I don't want to fish more than one fly. How can I get a good dead drift with my wet flies and nymphs? I mainly tie steelhead flies, but for a trout fishing trip, is it more economical to buy or tie some dry flies? When fishing across several lines of current with a floating line, what technique should I use to get a good drift? How do you deal with casting an indicator rig when the indicator is set 6 feet or more above your flies? A great tip on tapering synthetic fibers when tying streamers. Should I use hemostats or small pliers for trout fishing? What are the pros and cons of bead chain vs. solid metal eyes?

Why did I miss that fish? With Dave Jensen Feb 21, 2021

Swing, hit, and miss--why did you not connect with that fish? Did it just miss your fly? Did you strike too soon? Did you strike too late? Or did the fish refuse your fly even though it looked like a take? Dave Jensen and I [@44:47] discuss how you can (maybe) tell why you didn't connect--and it may not always be your fault.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including: Why does my 7-foot, 4-weight rod make most things more difficult than my 9-foot, 8-weight rod? Can I use a float tube in a river? I have trouble getting my indicator or dry fly to flaot when fishing double tungsten nymphs. What can I do? Is there one fly rod I can use for trout, bass, and panfish? When fishing with unweighted leeches in a lake, the rainbow trout I catch keep getting off before I land them. What can I do? What are your expectations when you go winter fishing? Are traditional featherwing streamers as effective as more "modern" streamers? How close can I get to stripers breaking on the surface? Why do the dumbbell eyes on my Clousers keep breaking? When fishing with an indicator and sight fishing, how can you tell exactly where your fly is drifting? A great suggestion on labeling fly boxes and using reflective tape to help find lost ones. How do I tell if old fly lines are still good? Are cedar blocks a good alternative to mothballs for fly-tying materials? I need a 10-weight rod for an Alaska trip. Should I get the Clearwater or Recon and will the fly line I use in Alaska be OK for saltwater and pike fishing? I want one rod and one leader to do everything in my trout fishing. What do you recommend?

Hemingway was a Lousy Fly Fisherman Feb 11, 2021

When Ernest Hemingway was a kid, he took great pride in catching trout on worms and jerking them out of small streams as quickly as he could. Later in life, he lived near excellent trout fishing in Sun Valley but didn't really like it much. He owned a lot of fly-fishing gear, but it didn't get much use. This week, I interview Hemingway Scholar Paul Hendrickson, author of the terrific book Hemingway's Boat, and we learn some interesting things about the man, including the sad story of why he finally gave up trout fishing for good, and how he influenced how we fight big fish on fly rods today.

In the Fly Box this week, we have many interesting questions and tips, including: Am I missing out by not using split shot on my nymph rigs? I spot fish from one angle, and then when I move into better position to fish, I can't see them. What can I do? A tip on setting the hook based on current speed My parachute hackles keep coming out at the tip. What can I do to prevent this? An update from a young man whose parents did not approve of his fly-fishing habit Are there advantages or disadvantages in using glass beads for fly tying? How can I store longer pheasant tails and turkey feathers? Should I use moth balls on my tying materials? Do you see any disadvantages in using UV cure resin to attach slotted beads to hooks? What type of single-handed rods are best for Spey casting? A guide told me that stomach pumps are bad for fish. Do they really cause mortality in trout? Should I use a loop knot on small dry flies? When I try to do a dubbing loop, the materials wrap around the thread instead of getting trapped in it. How can I fix this? A tip on keeping hands and feet warm by keeping your core warmer.

Winter Fishing in Shirtsleeves, with Jamie Rouse Feb 06, 2021

You may not be able to fish without a jacket every day on the Arkansas tailwaters but some day it's a possibility. A nice change at this time of year. I talk with Jamie Rouse of Rouse Fly Fishing [42:53] on what kind of conditions he sees during the winter, what tactics and flies he uses, and how to avoid late-spawning fish. Makes me want to head south.

In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: What can I do to make the flies I tie float like the ones I buy in the fly shop? Can you recommend any manufacturers of good quality barbless hooks? (Hint--it starts with an O) A tip for twisting chenille and hackle together for making a more durable Woolly Bugger Is it OK to remove a root ball in a river that is causing snags? Is it OK to remove small trees along the bank to get more back-cast room? Is it OK to shuffle downstream and then fish the chum line you create? Can I get a regional fishing license for multiple states? How do you train a dog to not run in the river and spoil the holes? Is there any etiquette for fishing with a dog? Is there a reason NOT to put mono weed guards on a fly? Do natural fly-tying materials have a shelf life? Why do you like a sling bag as opposed to a vest or chest pack?

George Daniel on Winter Fly Fishing Jan 30, 2021

This week, continuing our series of podcasts on winter fly fishing for trout, I interview George Daniel, author and guide. George is also an Orvis ambassador and field tester, and teaches fly fishing at Penn State. As you'll discover, there are many similarities with winter fishing in other parts of the country, along with some flies and techniques a bit more appropriate for the Northeast.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great tips and questions, including: Do you use touch dubbing, split thread dubbing, and composite loop dubbing techniques? I'm looking for a fly line to fish streamers for bass, trout, and panfish. Which line should I get? What leaders do I need for my Clearwater Trout Spey setup, for both Skagit and Scandi lines? What's your technique for catching largemouth bass, and what are your favorite flies? Why can't I get my dubbing noodle to behave? Which intermediate line should I get for fishing streamers and indicators in four to eight feet of water? A great tip on a method for wetting marabou and other materials without putting them in your mouth. I went fishing before a cold front and got skunked. I thought fishing was supposed to be good before a cold front. What line and leader and tippet would you use for trout in lakes in 15 feet of water?

The Classic Sporting Art of Bob White Jan 22, 2021

This week my guest is artist Bob White [36:41], a beloved painter of fly-fishing and bird hunting scenes. Bob has illustrated John Gierach's magazine pieces for years and also illustrated the current version of The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide. Bob talks about making a career in the fly-fishing world, how he balances his painting life with his fishing life, tips for budding wildlife artists, and how his art affects his fly tying.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners: How do I encourage guiding operations to hire more female guides and people of color? I just bought a fly rod and am having trouble casting a 1/16 oz. spoon on it. What am I doing wrong in my casting? Should I go to a heavier lure? Since I will never cast 90 feet with my light fly rod, can I cut off some of the fly line to get more backing on my reel? People say there are no hatches on the streams I fish. So why am I catching trout on nymphs all the time? What part of my line should I stretch? If I am using a Skagit setup, should I stretch my head? And do you stretch cold-water lines any different from warm-water lines? And should I use a leader straightener tool? What resources can I use to figure out what parts of birds and animals I hunt should be saved for fly tying? And where can I learn the fundamentals of fly tying? A tip from a listener on the best gift you can buy yourself--virtual fly-casting lessons. Why do you want the trailing hook so far back on an Intruder fly? A tip on wearing Nitrile gloves over thin merino gloves for fishing The trout seemed to have disappeared from my river this winter. It runs into a lake. Do you think the fish have gone there?

More Winter Fishing Tips, with Rachel Leinweber Jan 15, 2021

My guest this week is Rachel Leinweber [39:38], general manager of The Angler's Covey fly shop in Colorado Springs. One in a series of podcasts about winter fly-fishing tips, Rachael has some great ones for us, and it's been interesting to see how each guide we've talked to has a slightly different take on effective winter tactics.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips: Is there an easier way to balance a fly rod than buying a heavier reel? How can I get my parents to approve of my fly-fishing passion?

When fishing large streams, and making casts too long for a roll cast, how do you get your fly out without catching trees and bushes?

Do ducks and muskrats and beavers spook trout?

Will the techniques I have learned on my local tailwaters in Utah translate to freestone (non-tailwater) rivers in Wyoming?

Can I use BigEye dry flies as sliding indicators on a dry-dropper rig?

How can I tell a wild from a hatchery fish?

Why did trout take my indicator and ignore my nymphs?

A tip that sometimes catching a trout from a pool does not spook the rest of them.

Why don't manufacturers put handles on both sides of a fly reel?

Winter Fishing Tips from Boulder, with Antonio Rodrigues Jan 08, 2021

This week, we're continuing our series on winter fly fishing for trout. I interview Antonio Rodrigues [42:50] manager of Front Range Anglers in Boulder, Colorado, and he has a different take on winter fly fishing, and some different methods. I've found it fascinating to see how each guest approaches this differently and hope you pick up some tips as well.

In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips from listeners:

What do you use for a fly box when surf fishing?

I have not had good luck with guide trips and want to know what you recommend so I get a better trip next time.

Are fly rods built on continuous blanks and then cut into sections, or is each section made separately? And are sections interchangeable from one rod to another?

What is the purpose of adding flash to nymph patterns?

A tip on using special flies for casting practice.

What do I do about fishing places where lots of swimmers have been?

Are wire bite guards worth it?Can I tie a 3X tippet to a 3mm tippet ring?

Are all Orvis leader lengths built to the same basic taper or are they different?

Another suggestion on where to donate flies you don't want.

What uses do you have for magnets when fishing?

What do I use huge streamer patterns like the Manbearpig for, and how should I fish them?

The Godfather of Modern Fly-Fishing Books, Nick Lyons Jan 01, 2021

This week, it was my great pleasure to interview Nick Lyons, who I consider to be the godfather of modern fly-fishing books. Nick has edited and published books by some of our most famous fly anglers--Lee and Joan Wulff, Lefty Kreh, Dave Whitlock, and Swisher and Richards. He was also my first editor and I have so much to thank him for. Nick tells stories of the early days of fly-fishing books--his successes and failures and his journey through the past half-century of fly fishing.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, including: When fishing an in-line dropper, I have problems with the dropper slipping off my upper hook. How can I fix this? I want to fish flies for sauger along the bottom. What type of fly should I use? My hunter friend has offered me some duck and goose feathers. What feathers should I ask him to keep? Any tips on catching stocked trout in a pond? What line would you recommend for trolling from a float tube? Why is trout fishing more productive in Montana than in North Carolina? Do you think those big "American-type" articulated streamers will work in Finland? What kind of stream fish can I catch with a fly rod in northern Alabama? A tip on finding trout at the mouth of cold-water feeder streams in summer. Are "planted" and "stocked" trout streams the same thing? And do stocked trout ever reproduce naturally? Can I attach backing to a welded loop with just a clinch knot?

Winter Fly-Fishing in the Far North, with Timbre Pringle Dec 24, 2020

Continuing our exploration of winter trout fishing techniques, this week my guest is angler and photographer Timbre Pringle [40:08]. You have likely seen photos of Timbre or ones taken by her and her husband Darcy in Orvis catalogs and ads, as well as many of the fly-fishing magazines. She doesn't exactly fish in the far north as she fishes in Alberta, in southern Canada, but for most Americans any place in Canada seems like the far north. Timbre gives her tips for fishing her local river, the Bow, in the winter, but she offers tips that will work during the winter in any trout stream.

In the Fly Box this week, listeners share the following questions, comments, and tips: I have been taken to task for telling people to never trust anglers who tell them to "never" or "always" do something, yet I tell people to always check their knots. A tip for carrying two rods in one case. Will a textured Orvis Pro Fly Line give me more distance? Where do you start making changes when things just aren't working? How do you estimate the depth of the water where you're going to fish your nymph? I saw a recommendation in a book for an 8-foot rod for 6/7 weight line for trout. Most other people in my river use 3-weights. What gives? Can I fish a dry fly on my 10-foot, 3-weight Recon rod? Are the flow levels I see online useful? How do I fish nymphs in a deep, slow plunge pool? Should I spit on my flies to get them to sink? What do you think about UV tying materials?

Winter Fly-Fishing Tips part 1, with Tim Johnson Dec 18, 2020

I've begun a series on winter trout fishing podcasts with various experts around the country. I think it will be interesting to see how their approaches compare, what flies and leaders they use, and how they keep their hands and feet warm. This week's guest is Tim Johnson [38:41], who you probably know more as an artist on Instagram or on the Orvis Artist Collab series of H3 rods. Tim is also a longtime guide and experienced angler and has spent many winter days on his home waters in Utah. He's also one of the best storytellers I know so I think you'll enjoy the interview.

In the Fly Box this week, we have a great collection of questions and tips from listeners: How much difference is there between a 9-foot and 10-foot 8-weight rod, and which would be best for both steelhead and bass fishing form shore? Some people say always strip in a trout and others say always get a fish on the reel. Which method is correct? A tip on using a bicycle tire patch for fixing waders. How much damage will I do to a nymph hook if I bend it slightly? I got skunked on a spring creek when trout were jumping for adult midges. What should I do the next time I see this? Where can I go on the East Coast for some decent fishing but with lots of tourist attractions for my family? In a cutthroat stream I fish, the brown trout are invasive and I want to kill them. Is it true that brown trout are not very good for eating? A listener's take on the parallels between music and fly fishing. A listener's complaint about tasteless fly names. When should I use a parachute fly and when should I use a traditional hackled fly?

Late Fall and Winter Trout Fishing, with Sav Sankaran Dec 11, 2020

This week, my guest is Sav Sankaran [47:28], fishing manager at the Orvis store in Asheville. The subject is Late Fall and Winter trout fishing in the Southeast, and although Sav talks about his rivers specifically, there are many good tips for winter fishing anywhere in the world. You may have enjoyed Sav's bluegrass music on a recent Orvis Facebook Live event, and he's also the subject of an Orvis story on his special family holiday gatherings https://www.orvis.com/dinner-music. This podcast is just the beginning of a series I plan on doing on winter fishing throughout North America. With travel still restricted this winter, many of us will need to find fishing close to home, or at least within driving distance. We hope to make those outings more fun and enjoyable by giving you tips to make your time on the water a bit more successful.

In the Fly Box this week, we'll explore some great tips and questions from listeners, including:

Should I get a 10-foot 6-weight or 7-weight for steelhead fishing in the Great Lakes (using a tightline method)? Why do my hackles twist when I tie dry flies? How can I catch trout rising under heavy foam? A reminder from a listener that even though I said nylon tippet eventually breaks down, it takes a long time and anglers should never throw any kind of tippet in the water or on the banks. Do I need to tie those really fancy patterns I see to catch pike? How do I imitate gill plates on my streamers? How common are big blanket hatches? How important is it to make flies realistic? A couple great tips from a listener on organizing fly tying materials. Is it better to face the sun or have it at your back when approaching fish? Why do I keep losing trout when fishing streamers? Should I organize my trout fly boxes by size/weight or by insect type? What is the best wading combo for hiking into very cold alpine lakes? What type of intermediate line should I get for fishing cold alpine lakes?

Blane Chocklett and his Baitfish Dec 04, 2020

This week my guest is the great guide and fly tier Blane Chocklett [39:45]. We talk about his development of innovative fly patterns like the Gummy Minnow and Game Changer, but also about his philosophy of imitating baitfish and how to choose the right streamer depending on conditions. I know you streamer, musky, and saltwater junkies will learn a lot in this one.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners: How do I know what color combinations to use on my flies? Can I put a 225-grain sinking line on my 7-weight fiberglass rod? I have an 8 1/2 foot Clearwater 4 weight. What rod should I add to my arsenal for bass fishing? How can I catch those difficult carp on my local lake in Norway? What should I do with all the extra flies I tie? How do you know when a nymph should be tied on a curved hook? A great tip for organizing materials for single patterns by putting all of the materials in a tray. Trout are supposed to be in deep, slow pools in cold weather but I see them in riffles and pools. Why? Another great tip on organizing fly-tying materials using duct tape, ziplock bags, and a 3-ring binder What is the nest leader for small-stream fishing, when you are mostly casting just the leader?

Wildfires and Trout, with Becky Flitcroft Nov 26, 2020

Many fly fishers have dreaded the thought of visiting their favorite trout streams after wildfires devasted many areas over the past few years. As threatening as they are to human lives and property, wildfires are not all that bad for trout stream ecosystems, as you'll discover after listening to this week's podcast. Becky Flitcroft [interview at 39:03], a fisheries biologist with the US Forest Service and an expert on disturbances to trout streams, presents some surprising results in the wake of fires. Not only are they not horribly destructive, they are actually beneficial in many cases. Should you visit a trout stream that was in a burned area next year? What will the future look like? Although every stream is different, Becky tells us what to expect over the coming years.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips:

I have trouble seeing my dry flies on small streams. What patterns do you recommend, and how can I spot them better?

Do you think it's necessary to replace nylon and fluorocarbon leaders each year?

Can I extend the length of my 7 1/2 foot leaders to 9 or 12-feet by just adding tippet?

Should I use my Clearwater Reel in salt water?

Can I use shorter or longer hackles than the traditional length on my dry flies?

What techniques would you recommend for fishing after dark during the winter?

A good tip on how to practice specific techniques in fly tying.

What would be a good rod for both salmon/steelhead rivers and bass lakes?

How can I practice my fish-fighting technique in the off-season before I go salmon fishing?

Brittany Howard, part two Nov 19, 2020

[This week's podcast is in two sections. This sections contains the interview with Brittany. The listener-questions section, or the Fly Box, is in part one.]

This week, I have a very special guest for my interview--Brittany Howard, the frontwoman for the wildly popular band Alabama Shakes, who also has a new (2019) album out, "Jaime", a solo effort that explores a wide range of musical styles. Brittany has performed with Sir Paul McCartney and at the Obama White House, and her albums with the Alabama Shakes have won four Grammy Awards. Her first love is music, but her second love is fishing, and she is a passionate fly fisher. Unlike some celebrities who have taken up fly fishing because it's a "thing", Brittany has the soul of an angler and has been fishing all her life. She ties her own flies, modifies her kayak for fly fishing, and when she is on tour she always prioritizes sneaking away to do some fishing. She's the real deal and a great storyteller, and I know you'll enjoy her tales of fishing on the road and her encounters with gender and racial bias while fly fishing. And as a special treat at the end of the podcast, we've included one of my favorite songs, "Future People."

We have some great questions, and some helpful tips from listeners, including: A suggestion from a listener on the benefit of bootfoot waders for cold weather fishing Can I catch shoal bass on a fly rod? My 8-weight rod is not quite up to the task of surf fishing. Can I put a 9-weight line on my rod? Why do some rods come with aluminum tubes and others with nylon-covered cases? A suggestion from a listener that maybe I missed the point when asked about how I organize my fly-tying materials. What is the best line for my 7-foot, 3-weight glass rod? A suggestion from a listener on why some anglers fishing a Euro technique for steelhead lose fish on the jump. Can I tie a Pat's Rubber Legs with dubbing instead of chenille? I got a bunch of pheasant feathers from a hunter friend in a plastic bag and they stink. Can I salvage them? Where should I half-hitch my bead head nymphs--behind the bead or in front of it? I decided to take the plunge and buy good quality hackle capes. I have brown, grizzly, light ginger, medium dun, and cream. What other colors might I need? Why are some wild trout streams with spawning fish open year-round and others closed? How do I avoid getting hooked on the river? How should I do the naked nymphing technique?

Brittany Howard, Part One Nov 19, 2020

[This week's podcast is in two sections. This is the listener-questions section, or the Fly Box. The interview with Brittany Howard is in part two.]

This week, I have a very special guest for my interview--Brittany Howard, the frontwoman for the wildly popular band Alabama Shakes, who also has a new (2019) album out, "Jaime", a solo effort that explores a wide range of musical styles. Brittany has performed with Sir Paul McCartney and at the Obama White House, and her albums with the Alabama Shakes have won four Grammy Awards. Her first love is music, but her second love is fishing, and she is a passionate fly fisher. Unlike some celebrities who have taken up fly fishing because it's a "thing", Brittany has the soul of an angler and has been fishing all her life. She ties her own flies, modifies her kayak for fly fishing, and when she is on tour she always prioritizes sneaking away to do some fishing. She's the real deal and a great storyteller, and I know you'll enjoy her tales of fishing on the road and her encounters with gender and racial bias while fly fishing. And as a special treat at the end of the podcast, we've included one of my favorite songs, "Future People."

We have some great questions, and some helpful tips from listeners, including: A suggestion from a listener on the benefit of bootfoot waders for cold weather fishing Can I catch shoal bass on a fly rod? My 8-weight rod is not quite up to the task of surf fishing. Can I put a 9-weight line on my rod? Why do some rods come with aluminum tubes and others with nylon-covered cases? A suggestion from a listener that maybe I missed the point when asked about how I organize my fly-tying materials. What is the best line for my 7-foot, 3-weight glass rod? A suggestion from a listener on why some anglers fishing a Euro technique for steelhead lose fish on the jump. Can I tie a Pat's Rubber Legs with dubbing instead of chenille? I got a bunch of pheasant feathers from a hunter friend in a plastic bag and they stink. Can I salvage them? Where should I half-hitch my bead head nymphs--behind the bead or in front of it? I decided to take the plunge and buy good quality hackle capes. I have brown, grizzly, light ginger, medium dun, and cream. What other colors might I need? Why are some wild trout streams with spawning fish open year-round and others closed? How do I avoid getting hooked on the river? How should I do the naked nymphing technique?

The Mayfly Project, with Jess Westbrook Nov 12, 2020

In this week's podcast, I interview Jess Westbrook, co-founder of The Mayfly Project. This organization, a winner of an Orvis Breaking Barriers award, brings the joys of fly fishing to foster kids through individual, one-on-one mentorship throughout the country. For obvious reasons their programs have been put on hold for this year (I was looking forward to being a mentor myself last spring), but the organization moves forward, making plans for a time when we can comfortably get together in person. Jess has some heartwarming stories to tell of past successes that will make you smile and feel good about the fly-fishing community.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and I hope my answers are helpful to you. They include: I recently got a new fly reel and when it's filled with line it's too tight. What can I do to solve this? A story from a listener on catching a channel catfish on a fly tied for swinging for trout--a Montana Intruder that he tied during one of our Monday live fly-tying sessions. Why do the eyes on my saltwater flies keep coming off? What feathers on grouse and woodcock can I use for fly tying? Can you recommend some books so I can learn more about how watersheds work? Why does my fly line keep catching itself on my forward cast and how can I fix it? Can I use weighted streamers to catch walleye? Why would a bunch of large trout be holding in slow, shallow water during a hatch? What is the best saltwater floating line for Northeast fly fishing? I have some fly materials with bugs in them. Would repeated thawing and freezing kill them? What is the difference between a sink tip and an intermediate fly line? Why does anyone ever use flies smaller than size 18? I can't see them on the water. Why do I keep losing steelhead when they jump?

Bonefisn and Permit Secrets, with Greg Vincent Nov 06, 2020

This week I interview Greg Vincent of Grand Bahama Island and co-owner of H2O Bonefishing [40:13]. Greg shares his tips for what distinguishes a great bonefisher from someone who just goes fishing for bonefish and permit. There's a big difference. Greg is the only person I know who has gotten a Super Grand Slam (bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook) in just four casts. He also tells a great story and I am sure you'll thrill to his tales of chasing these fish on the flats.

In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: I have a random assortment of grouse feathers from a hunter friend. What patterns can I tie with them? If there are only a few good holes in an area, how long should you fish a spot before letting another angler try their luck? I am a new fly fisher and have been fishing just with a tenkara rod and doing OK on panfish but not trout. What is a mistake that new fly fishers often make that prevents them from catching fish? I want to fish the Charles River in Boston and Long Island for saltwater species. What two rods should I get? How should I treat my waders if I move from one state to another? Have you ever made your own amadou? Havaard from Jazz and Fly Fishing wants to fish in Montana next May and wants advice on what town to base his travels out of. And is May a good time to fish in Montana? What leaders and tippets do I need for salmon in the Pacific Northwest? A great idea from a listener on using a streamer as an indicator when dead-drifting a nymph/streamer combo

Secrets of Fly Design, with Jonny King Oct 30, 2020

This week I have a chat with Jonny King [41:00], one of the most creative and innovative fly tiers I know. Patterns like the Kinky Muddler and Splitsville dry flies come from his creative mind. I am always interested in where the idea for new patterns come from, how they are developed, and how they get evaluated. Join me as we ramble and discuss his creative process. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: Where can I get a copy of your book on Small Stream fly fishing? Can I leave my fishing gear in a very hot or very cold car? How can I fish the shoreline of a lake without getting caught in trees, and how far do I need to cast? Why do I keep breaking fish off on a strike? How can I include a shock absorber into my outfit? I have an old bamboo rod in good shape. Is it OK to fish with it, and how can I find out what line size it takes? What do you recommend for wading boots if I do a lot of hiking? I can cast OK with nymphs but I can't get my dry flies to lay out with a roll cast. What am I doing wrong? Where should I look to catch Pacific salmon in BC? How do I handle spooky trout in small streams that hide under rocks? How do I know for sure when trout are spawning?

Musky Time, with Kip Veith Oct 23, 2020

This week, my interview is with Kip Veith [38:55], Orvis-endorsed guide and author of The Orvis Guide to Musky on the Fly, which has just been released. Fresh from lots of research and in the middle of his season, Kip has some great tips for those of you who want to chase this giant freshwater predator--and fall is known as the best time to chase them with a fly rod.

In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of interesting questions and some great tips from listeners, including: I have some flies I tied that I don't like and want to salvage the hooks to use again. What's the best way to do this?

With big pike flies, I have trouble getting the fly moving on the first few false casts. How can I do this easier?

My floating line is sinking. What can I do to make it float, and if I can't make it better can I use the line for streamer fishing?

My yarn indicators won't float. What am I doing wrong?

How do you do the Joe Humphreys Bow-and-Arrow Cast?How do I use a BIgEye dry fly as a sliding dropper?

I lubricate my clinch knots with Chapstick. Why doesn't the knot hold?

My Dad raises chickens. Do you think I can use some of their feathers for fly tying?

When do most anglers change their leaders?

A tip from a listener on preventing gel floatant from exploding when you change altitude.Can I go from 5X to 7X using a tippet ring?

A great tip from a listener on how to politely engage someone on the river who is using poor fish-handling technique.

How do you cut Body Wrap when making Game Changers?

The Everglades from a Guide's and Scientist's Perspective Oct 16, 2020

The issue of freshwater flow through the Everglades is an issue that Orvis has worked on for a number of years as one of our major conservation projects, and we've worked with some strong partners on the ground, like the Everglades Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, Now or Neverglades, and Bullsugar/Friends of the Everglades. This week we have a double feature on this national treasure. The first part of the podcast is with scientist Steve Davis of the Everglades Foundation [41:05], who discusses the recent progress and environmental conditions in the Everglades, in times of poor freshwater flow and healthy flows. The second part of the podcast is with Orvis-endorsed guide Jason Sullivan [1:28:17], who spends nearly every day in the Everglades and depends on its health for his livelihood. And yes, don't worry we talk fishing and what it's like fly fishing in the everglades--for tarpon, snook, redfish, and even tailing tripletail! And in the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions to answer, including:

Can a clear fly line be made?

Why are cane fly rods so great?

If I can legally fish only one fly, how do I get my fly down to the fish when Euro nymphing?

How does a full moon affect fishing?

If a season for a species is closed, when is it OK to fish for them if I practice catch-and-release?

How does intellectual property work with fly patterns?

Is it worth it to pay to fish spring creeks?

Why can't I sharpen my hooks?

Is there any role in whimsy or "bluffing" when picking a fly pattern?

Can I use floatant on my Master Splinter fly?

Can I use unweighted streamers with a floating line?

Catching Great Lakes Pacific Salmon, with Trent Jackcon Oct 08, 2020

I get frequent questions on targeting introduced Pacific salmon in the Great Lakes region, so I invited an expert [interview starts at 33:13] to give us guidance on where and when to fish for them, tackle to use, and recommended flies. Trent Jackson, fishing manager of Orvis Grand Rapids, is a lifelong Michigan resident and has been fishing for Great Lakes salmon and steelhead his entire life. He gives us a great overview of this fishery, and is a great example of the rich talent we offer in our retail stores.

In the Fly Box this week, we have a number of perceptive questions and suggestions from listeners, including:

Why do I have trouble hooking trout with a 10-foot, 3-weight rod when using unweighted flies? Can I use the Hydros Salmon/Steelhead line for tightline fishing with a 20-foot leader? If I have both smallmouth and stocked trout in my river this fall, how can I fish for both of them? A listener takes me to task for killing fish for the table by "bashing them in the head with a rock", and gives us the preferred way to kill fish for the table, using a Japanese method called ikejime.

If I have a limited budget, should I spend more money on my waders or wading shoes?

Why did brook trout inhale my streamer one day and only chase it the next?

Once a running fish is on the reel, should I take my fingers off the line?

When you talk about a 9-foot leader, is the tippet included in that length? And should I tie a new tippet directly to my leader without modification?

More Catch-and-Release Science, with Dr. Aaron Adams Oct 02, 2020

This week I interview Dr. Aaron Adams [@38:29], chief scientist at Bonefish Tarpon Trust, and he explains some of the science behind proper fish handling techniques. Although we talk primarily about bonefish and tarpon, I learned some surprising facts about the question: "If a fish is hooked deeply, is it better to try to remove the hook or just cut the tippet?" I'm not going to tell you the answer. You'll need to listen to the podcast.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners:

Can you suggest few trout flies that are reliable and relevant year-round?

Why do I have trouble hooking trout in small mountain streams?

What is the proper way to set the drag on a reel before you begin fishing?

How much tension is added to your tippet when you have the whole fly line out on a running fish?Why doesn't anyone talk about frogs and toads as trout prey?

Why does my Improved Clinch Knot keep failing?

Are neat flies more effective than scruffy ones?

A suggestion from a listener about using the "wrong" color thread to tie a better fly.

Where should I spend most of my budget when assembling a fly-tying setup?

A suggestion from a listener about using a bobbin threader to tie a nail knot.

Stripping Streamers in the Fall, with Butch Wicks Sep 27, 2020

Stripping Streamers in the Fall, with Butch Wicks With all the hype around trout Spey and swinging streamers, let's not lose sight of plain old streamer stripping, which is a faster-paced way of fishing streamers and often results in explosive strikes. Montana/Washington guide Butch Wicks of Healing Waters Lodge in Twin Bridges, Montana gives us some hot tips on stripping streamers in the Fall. The interview starts at 28:00.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and comments:

I am teaching a friend how to fish nymphs. Should I start him on dry dropper and indicator fishing or Euro nymphing?

Will my Trout Poly Leaders work OK for swinging flies for Lake Erie steelhead, or do I also need to get Spey Polyleaders?

Why could I not catch fish during a heavy Green Drake spinner fall?I had to cut my fly line. Is there any way to repair it without a bulky connection?

What should I keep in mind when tying some steelhead patterns to use on Pacific salmon?

A clarification to the podcast on the Clean Water Act from a retired EPA wetland scientist.

What to do if you see someone on the water with very poor fish-handling techniques.Is trout spawning temperature of day length dependent, and what behavioral clues should I look for?

I saw what I thought were carp feeding on the surface. Do carp feed on top, and if so what do they eat?

How do you set the hook when using a two-handed strip for striped bass?

When should I use a weighted vs. unweighted fly for striped bass in San Franciso Bay, and what fly line should I use?

The Quest for the World Record Tarpon, with Monte Burke Sep 18, 2020

This week I interview Monte Burke [@44:46], author of the recently released book Lords of the Fly. It's a chronicle of the history of tarpon fishing with a fly rod, and especially the magical period in the late 20th century where huge tarpon and the best fly anglers in the world converged on a little town on the Florida coast. This is truthfully one of the most interesting fly-fishing books I have ever read. Even if you have no interest in tarpon fishing, the story of the personalities, conflicts, and obsession involved in trying to catch a world record tarpon on a fly is one of the most compelling stories in fly-fishing history. Monte talks about his research and the process involved in writing the book. It's a tale of egos and gangsters and heartbreak.

In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of interesting questions and tips, including:

How does a new beaver dam affect a trout stream?

What is the difference between a 2-weight and a 3-weight Euro nymphing rod?

How should one approach a larger river with heavy fishing pressure?

How do you suggest handling a fish that has been foul-hooked?

If you were to spend two weeks in quarantine in a hotel room, what six fly patterns would you tie?

An example of great fishing close to home

What do you know about fly fishing for ladyfish?

I am taking my father fishing and he does not have much experience. Should I hire a guide or just get him an outfit and take him wade fishing?

What are the main differences between Eastern and Western fly fishing?

What effect will the wildfires have on trout streams?

Can I use UV epoxy to finish the wraps on a rod I am making?Can I dye my own fly tying materials?

Unraveling the Clean Water Act, with Bob Irvin Sep 11, 2020

This week, we chat with Bob Irvin [Interview starts at 42:00], president of American Rivers, an organization that does solid work protecting the aquatic resources we all love. Bob and I talk about the Clean Water Act and the Clean Water Rule--what these laws have done for us in the past, how they are currently managed, and threats to their effectiveness. It's not as much fun as talking about trout or steelhead, but it's important stuff to all of us.

In the Fly Box this week, listeners offered the following tips and questions:

What kind of water is best for Euronymphing?

Can you do it in really slow water for panfish?The booties on my waders are too tight for two pairs of socks. How can I keep my feet warm winter steelheading?

I have some streams in my neighborhood that people say used to hold brook trout. How can I find out if they still live there?

A suggestion that keeping the index finger on the top of your rod grip helps with sensitivity.

What is the best fly line to use when trying to cast the entire line?

Can I Spey cast for smallmouth bass?

My dad really outfished me using a Rapala. I tried all kinds of streamers but no luck. Is there a fly that is as good as a Rapala?

When I wade waist-deep I have trouble with my casting. What can I do to fix this?

How can you reconcile our obsession with drag-free drifts and the effectiveness of a swung wet fly?

I have a bunch of old fly lines. How can I tell what they are, and how can I mark them?

If you have a local stream that you fish often, how long should you rest it between fishing trips?

I am fishing for smallmouth and shoal bass during the day in weedy, rocky water. What's the best technique to use?

A tip from a listener on a great indicator you can make yourself.

Can you clarify the confusion behind the term "dropper"?

The Return of the Grayling, with Nicole Watson Sep 04, 2020

This week I interview biologist Nicole Watson [interview at 46:56], who has a fascinating job. She is working on developing strains of arctic grayling that will hopefully be able to repopulate some of Michigan's rivers. It's not widely known that prior to the arrival of Europeans to rivers such as the Au Sable and Manistee, the dominant salmonid in rivers in that entire area was not the brook trout, but a unique strain of arctic grayling. Learn about how the population was decimated, what is being done to restore them, and how soon we'll be able to fish for wild grayling in Michigan.

Here are some links to websites mentioned in the podcast

MI Grayling Initiative website: https://www.migrayling.org/

Iron Fish Distillery- whiskeys to support research: https://ironfishdistillery.com/arcticgrayling/

Iron Fish Arctic Grayling Research Fund (to donate to research directly): https://manisteefoundation.org/component/funds/view/3933

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners: My 5-weight works fine with nymphs and dries but I have trouble throwing streamers. Is my rod too light for fishing Woolly Buggers?

How do you evaluate a new fly pattern for your own fishing? And what are the factors that make you keep the pattern in your fly box instead of cycling it out?

I have trouble keeping dubbing on the thread when I wrap it on a hook. Are there tips I can use?

Is it a good idea to start with a tippet ring on a brand new leader, and where do you place it?

Is it wrong to hold the index finger on top of a rod grip when casting?

Should I be able to throw a size 8 popper with my 5-weight rod? What is the most humane way to kill a fish?

How can I "turn up the volume" of my bass flies for use in high, dirty water?

I want to try to catch a 12-inch brook trout in a small stream, but I want to go barbless. What would you suggest for landing my trophy?

I have a 7-weight Recon rod and want to fish heavier streamers. What fly line do you recommend?

What is the best way to remove a small hook from a trout? What is the best way to travel with fly-tying materials?

Catching stripers below the Statue of Liberty, with Joe Mattioli Aug 28, 2020

This week, I interview Captain Joe Mattioli [43:31]i on a place I have always wanted to fish--New York Harbor. Despite having chased striped bass and bluefish with a fly rod for over 40 years, I have never had the pleasure of fishing New York Harbor and I have always wanted to. So join me as I interview Captain Joe and hear stories of this world-class fishery beneath the Statue of Liberty and off Coney Island.

In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of great questions, including:

I have issues with knots in my leader, especially with streamers and other heavy flies. How do I fix this?

I have a 9 ft 5-weight Recon and a starter fly reel I bought a few years ago. Should I buy a new reel to go with my rod?

When fishing for bass, if I use a heavier line like a bank shot on my 6-weight rod, how should I adjust my casting style?

Are there any trade-offs?

I use a double Uni Knot to join tippet, but I can't tie a Blood Knot to save my life. What are the relative strengths of these two knots?

I just upgraded my fly-tying vise. What other tools should I upgrade if I want to improve my tying?

My tippet keeps breaking when using sink-tip lines. What can I do to prevent this?

Would you recommend a Recon 2-weight or 3-weight for fishing small streams plus bluegill fishing with my kids?

How many flies do you lose in a day of small stream fishing?

Where would you go to catch a trophy brook trout?

What should I do with my dry fly when fishing still water?

Should I move it or let it sit?

What can we do to reduce the trauma to fish when we play them?

Trophy Largemouth on the Fly, with Jay Aylward Aug 21, 2020

This week I interview Orvis-endorsed guide Jay Aylward [51:05], a largemough bass fanatic on the fly rod, about how to find and catch them. And not just any largemouth, but trophy bass. Or at least trophies on a fly rod... In the Fly Box this week, I get some great tips from listeners and also some interesting questions, including:

Fly pattern suggestions for a road trip across Colorado What are your top 10 trout flies I should tie? How does water fluctuation below a dam affect trout behavior? I can't catch trout on anything but worm flies and woollies in my local river. Why can't I catch them on standard nymphs? How do I sort through the creek chubs to catch the nice brook trout below them? Can I cut my poly leader back to make it shorter? What line do I need to put on my 10-foot 8-weight single handed rod if I want to try some two-handed casts? Why did a fly shop put a 6-foot leader on my outfit when I bought it? A listener offers more suggestions on why you should tie your own leaders.A nother suggestion on how to record small streams you fish--the Basemap app. What is an affordable, dependable Orvis rod? Why can't I catch the carp in my local pond? Do you have any suggestions?

How to Catch Trophy Bluegills, with Kip Vieth Aug 14, 2020

[Interview @ 38:40]

There are few things more fun in fly fishing than catching bluegills with a popper or nymph. For the most part, once you find them it's easy and un-challenging fishing. But if you want to up your game and chase trophy bluegills, the kind that will put a big bend in a 3-weight rod, you need special techniques. This week Orvis-endorsed guide Kip Vieth shares his passion for big bluegills, and his special techniques for catching them--even in summer heat. In the Fly Box this week, we answer the following questions from listeners:

I had a big brown trout chase my fly right after a big tumble of branches rolled down the river on top of him. Is this common?

What can I do with some grouse feathers I obtained?

Does a 7 1/2-foot knotless leader have the same level tippet length as a 9- or 12-footer, or is the tippet length proportional?

I started tying my own leaders but had a blood knot break. Should I go back to knotless leaders?

Would it be a good idea to tie smaller streamers with a shank and a trailing stinger as opposed to using a longer-shank hook? I have heard that long-shank hooks don't hold fish as well.

What are some good rules for keeping your distance on crowded trout streams?

I always hook my fly onto one of my guides but recently I had a guide break when I was pulling the rod apart. Is that a bad practice and am I weakening the guides by doing this?

When someone says they are fishing a 9-foot or 12-foot leader, does that length include the tippet?

I had a Davey Knot break on heavy tippet. Is the Davey Knot weaker in heavier materials?

How do I keep the fly line from pulling my leader back inside the guides when making short casts?

Expert Tips on Small Stream Fly Fishing in California and North Carolina. Aug 07, 2020

This week we continue our exploration of small streams with Brian Slusser in California [@37:47] and Brown Hobson of North Carolina [@1:24:38]. Both are experienced guides and love small stream fishing. Even if you don't fish these regions, you'll find plenty of great tips and fly suggestions for your own region.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and also some great additional information from listeners, including: I have a small bass pond in my neighborhood. What would you suggest regarding patterns and techniques? I have a bunch of old flies from the 1940s. How can I tell if they are still good? Is there a comparable approach to Euro nymphing when fishing for steelhead? Some great information from a listener on the confusion around greenback cutthroat restoration in Colorado. Why aren't all hooks barbless? Do you have any tips on tying with calf body hair? What are some good crab patterns for fishing for striped bass in New England? Can you suggest some tips on tying in biot tails for nymphs like the Copper John? Should I always be fishing my nymphs dead drift or should I try imparting some movement to them? A listener calls in with some great tips for finding small stream trout in Colorado

Washington State and the Driftless Region of the Midwest Jul 31, 2020

This week, continuing with my small stream double features programs, I interview Todd Fuchigami of the Ellensburg Angler in Washington [@ 45:48], plus Mel Hayner of Driftless Fly Fishing Company in Minnesota [@1:24:51]. It's been fascinating for me to learn about the similarities, and the differences in small stream techniques throughout the country. Regardless of where you fish, you'll pick up great small stream tips from these two.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and comments:

What is your preferred wet-wading outfit, or do you even wade wet at all during the summer?

If I need a longer dropper on my dry/dropper rig, should I add the extra length with another section of tippet added to the existing one or should I tie on a whole new dropper?

A listener takes me to task and says I should "spend more time on crowded public waters to better answer the fly box questions"

What is the best way to fish small streams when they get turbid from a summer rainstorm?

A couple book recommendations from a listener on small streams and alpine lakes

I normally take both my fly rod and a spinning rod with worms when trout fishing. What do you think of this method?

Are "bait chuckers" seen throughout the country or is it just my local fishing culture in Iowa? And what are some ways to help them see the beauty in fly fishing?

I have a bunch of old fly lines and rods. How do I figure out what line sizes I have?

What really matters when I stare into my fly box? What attributes do you look for and how do you rank them?

How often before you decide to switch flies?

How do I gauge the size of my hen hackles when tying soft hackles?

Double Feature- Small Streams East and West, with Rachel Therkildsen and Brett Damm Jul 24, 2020

[Rachel Therkildsen interview 36:25] [Brett Damm interview 1:04:52]

I have been interviewing guides across the country on their techniques for small-stream trout fishing and I want to get these out sooner rather than later, at the peak of small stream trout season. So this week, we have a special double feature on small trout streams East and West. We have Rachel Therkildsen on fishing high altitude streams (and lakes) in Colorado, and then we move East to hear about small stream brook trout fishing in the Rangeley region of Maine with Brett Damm of Rangeley Region Fly Shop. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: I use mostly streamers in high mountain lakes. Should I be using nymphs and dries? Is there a good resource for organizing my fly boxes? Are there any podcast episodes on panfish? A suggestion from a listener on wearing a wetsuit when fly fishing. Do you have any tips on how to fish difficult waters? I think carp are eating blueback herring spawn on my local river. Do you have any suggestions on how to catch them? Can I fish emergers upstream? If I take my new Mission rod to Florida to fish deep channels, when should I use a Scandi line and when should I use a Skagit line? Is it OK to carry two rods with different rigs to maximize fishing time? Is it OK to leave my wading boots wet for a day or two. I always dry them but do I need to do it every day? If I plan to use my Euro nymphing rod for more conventional fishing, should I overline the rod?

Advanced Carp Techniques, with Dan Frasier Jul 17, 2020

[Interview starts at 37:17] This week, our podcast is all about carp. It's a more advanced carp podcast with my buddy Dan Frasier, who is one of the most knowledgeable carp anglers I know. Carp are almost never easy and sometimes they are damn near impossible. But they are a fascinating challenge, and a good fish to chase when you aren't able to travel to more exotic places for big fish--something we all need to concentrate on. I'm going to be doing more podcasts about fishing close to home--a bunch of small stream tips from various parts of the country, and also on bass and panfish. Stay tuned in the coming months. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and suggestions form listeners:

Can I fish steelhead with a single-handed rod? I can't find any information on it.
What type of stream bottom is best for rubber with metal studs on the soles, and what type is best with just rubber soles?
How can I find small wild trout spring creeks in the Northeast?
My flies don't look as good as the ones I buy in a fly shop? Should I still fish with them even if the bodies do not have as nice a taper or the wings are too long?
Does it matter where I put the rubber legs on my panfish flies?
A suggestion on how to hold onto big trout when they jump
If a fish in a certain feeding lie gets caught every week, will it move away or will it just become harder to catch?
What is the best knot for tying a light tippet to a hopper imitation?
A tip from a physical therapist who has developed an Instagram channel on mobility and strengthening articles just for fly fishers
Which H3 rod would be best for trout streamers and fairly large bass?
What is the difference between a good and a really great fly fisher?

Fishing in the Amazon Jungle, with Ross Purnell Jul 09, 2020

[Interview starts at 41:18]

We could all use a little escapism these days, so why not listen to a podcast about adventures in the Amazon? Fly Fisherman Magazine editor and publisher Ross Purnell, in a pre-Covid recorded interview, will thrill you with his adventures with a fly rod in the Amazon, and you will be shocked at how he celebrated the trip. Few of us will be traveling to exotic locations this year, and many of us never will, but it is always enlightening to hear about what fishing is like in a different world. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and suggestions:

Further warnings on UV cure epoxy vapors
How do I keep my fly tying organized in a small apartment with a wife, dog, and cat?
Can I use steelhead swinging techniques for skating a caddis when trout fishing?
How do I learn Euro nymphing?
How can I find and catch bigger trout than the 12-inchers I usually catch?
Are there any advanced courses to improve my skills in fly fishing?
More tips from a fishing guide about how to improve a client's experience
Will a very hot car in Texas damage any of my fly-fishing gear?
I lose trout when they jump. What can I do to prevent this?
Why didn't you mention Strike Putty in your TV show on using indicators?
I caught a trout and got slime on my fly, then the fly didn't work afterward. Does slime on a fly scare off trout?

How to Become a Fly-Fishing Guide, with Joe Hebler Jun 26, 2020

[Interview starts at 55:00] This week, Joe Hebler of the Blue Quill Angler in Evergreen, Colorado, answers the question "How do I become a fishing guide?" Whether you are graduating from high school or college, or in another career looking to escape daily stresses and an unsatisfying job, Joe gives a great road map on what steps to take to successfully land a job in this competitive field. And if you aren't interested in becoming a guide, Joe also gives some great tips on current fishing conditions on Colorado streams. In the Fly Box this week, we answer some questions, share some tips from a listener, and alert people to a threat on one of Pennsylvania's finest trout streams.

Should I buy a 4-weight or a 5-weight rod for trout?
Whatever happened to that little barbed thingee that goes into the end of a fly line to attach a leader?
An alert about a proposal by a meat packing plant to withdraw 700,000 gallons of water a day from the springs that feed the headwaters of Fishing Creek.
Are wet flies a legitimate strategy when you have trout rising downstream of your position?
How do I get a large trout close to my net if my leader is long?
What could I have done to catch a smallmouth bass in deep, clear, swirly water?
What mouse pattern is best and how should I fish it?
A great list of tips on why starting out in a small stream will build your skills for fishing tougher, more technical waters later.
My father wants to remove the brush along our stream to make it easier to cast and for my kids to splash in the river. Should I try to talk him out of it?
What is the best way to remove wind knots from my leader?
A listener asks me about my top 3 places to fish
I foul hooked a brook trout in the belly but it was only a flseh wound. Do you think the fish will survive?
Should I match my leader length to my rod length?

Culture and Commerce: The Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout of New Mexico Jun 19, 2020

[Interview starts at 37:18] This week, the podcast is about native trout, specifically the Rio Grande cutthroat of New Mexico. It's the story of two communities, one a small New Mexico town and the other the Taos Pueblo tribe, told by Toner Mitchell of Trout Unlimited, and Talisa Puentes Ortega, a biologist who worked on the project with the Taos Pueblo. In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of questions, as usual, including:

Can I use Dragon Tails for trout spey?
Can I use scaled down versions of classic salmon and steelhead for trout?
Can I fix a cut in my 5-weight line?
Do you ever wish you could go back in time and fish a particular river?
Why do people often recommend different flies for tailwaters as opposed to freestone rivers?
How should I rinse my Clearwater reel after fishing in salt water?
Do creek chubs in a river indicate the absence of trout?
Should I boil my leaders to straighten them?
My buddy and I caught nice bass on small nymphs while fishing for sunfish. Is this a fluke?
What are your recommendations for wet wading gear?
I bought a hen cape and realize it's not good for dry flies. What can I use it for?
What rod should I get for going after carp, smallmouths, steelhead, and Pacific salmon?

Saltwater tips from the San Francisco Bay, with Sarah Landstrom Jun 05, 2020

[Interview starts at 45:51] This week's podcast was recorded prior to Covid 19 but I sat on it for awhile because it was about saltwater fly fishing in the San Francisco Bay area and I wanted to wait until sheltering at home restrictions were eased a bit and people could get out to try these ideas. Sarah Landstrom of Lost Coast Outfitters regularly leads trips for this accessible and interesting urban fishing, and she has some great tips, and even suggestions for locations to try. In the Fly Box this week, we have a number of interesting questions--plus a great e-mail from a listener on how he successfully uses two-handed rods for nymphing in Alaska. Some of the questions this week are:

Do you think planning a trip with a guide will help me learn new skills?
What is the best way to go about asking for permission to fish on private land?
I don't have much time to fish. How can I streamline things and become more efficient so I don't spend all my time rigging and tying knots?
Do you think a surgeon's knot is visible to fish?
Where on my leader do I put my indicator?
Why can I hook trout on dry flies?
What locations, flies, and weather conditions are best for night fishing?
Should I use mothballs in my fly tying materials?
Should I microwave my fly-tying materials?

Backcast Episode: Planning your Strategy on the River, with Devin Olsen May 29, 2020

This week I interview Devin Olsen, who you may know about from competitive fly fishing, but we’re not going to talk about competition. Devin walks us through what to look for when you first approach a stream and how to come up with a strategy for a day of fishing. His new book Tactical Fly Fishing is now available but we get a sneak peak on what you’ll learn from his book. In the Fly Box this week, we talk about: Moving kids from a spinning rod to a switch rod How to deal with muddy and bloody feathers from a duck-hunting friend How to display fly rods in your house If my jig hooks bend when I get stuck in a snag, should I just bend them back and re-use them? If a 5-weight is considered an all-around rod in graphite, is it the same for fiberglass rods? What is the difference between hen necks and hen capes? A great suggestion for carrying a landing net on a plane Do catastrophic floods ruin trout fishing and the insect life? What length and line size do you recommend for both smallmouth bass and steelhead? Can I catch catfish with a fly rod? How should I organize my bonefish fly boxes? Which grain weight in the Depth Charge lines is best for surf fishing?

Indicator Fishing Secrets from a Montana Guide, with Peter Bring May 13, 2020

This week I have an interview [starts at 39:52] that was recorded pre-Covid with Peter Bring, long-time Montana guide for Blackfoot River outfitters in Missoula. I always learn new things form every guide I fish with, but I thought Peter had some especially helpful tips on fishing with indicators and dry droppers. Being on the water every day and expected to produce fish in any condition, guides develop efficient, fun, and easy ways to catch fish and have polished their techniques through thousands of hours of helping other anglers become successful. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions

Has anyone ever caught two fish at once on a two-fly rig?
Can I use dog hair to tie flies?
I want to chase redfish, pike, steelhead, Pacific salmon, and muskie. Will an 8-weight rod handle all those species?
Can I use the 10-foot sinking Salmon poly leader for trout? Can I cast it on a 6-weight?
What can I tie with hen saddle patches?
What switch rod would you recommend for striped bass fishing in the surf?
What is the weight relationship between non-toxic wire and lead wire?
I live in Switzerland. What should I expect regarding European fly hatches?
I keep losing big trout when they run downstream. Do you have any suggestions on how I can land more of them?
A great tip on joining Trout Unlimited's Citizen Science Initiative
Can I use a popper/dropper rig for bass?

Talking Salmon (and other fish) with Mark Kurlansky Apr 30, 2020

[Interview starts at 38:46]

This week I have the pleasure of interviewing one of my very favorite non-fiction writers, Mark Kurlansky. Author of such award-winning books as Cod, Salt, Paper, 1968, and A Continent of Islands, Mark is a tireless journalist who digs into the very essence of anything he does. His new book, Salmon, is his first book that involves sport fishing as well as the natural and economic history of both Atlantic and Pacific salmon. (And he has a book on fly fishing coming out next April). In the Fly Box this week, we have the following tips and questions:

Should I use a cauterizing pen to clean material out of the eyes of my flies?
A host of solid tips for the novice Spey caster from a listener
What makes a good skater fly, and how do you fish them?
Why don't more people use the drop-shot method when fishing nymphs?
How do you attach a dropper to a Euro rig with passing the bottom fly through the loop?
How can I fish a Euro rig in really tiny streams?
Is my 8-weight rod too light for pike fishing?
Where should I fish in relation to a tailrace below a dam, and is a Spey rod a good idea?
Why did I see a big smallmouth slowly cruising up a small creek?
What is the best way to break off a fly when you are snagged?
How can I fish plunge pools in a small stream?
Does using a UV light when curing epoxy harm your eyes?

Northern Montana Trout Fishing, with Tim Linehan Apr 25, 2020

[Interview starts at 27:44] This week I have the pleasure of interviewing perhaps the nicest human being on the planet, Tim Linehan of Linehan Outfitters in Libby, Montana. I think you'll get a sense of what kind of person he is by listening in. We talk about how the recent pandemic has affected fishing guides and lodges, but on a more fun note, Tim describes his fishery in northern Montana--the only place in Montana where you can catch a true native rainbow trout (rainbows on famous rivers like the Madison, Bighorn, Missouri, and Gallatin were originally stocked). In the fly box this week, we have these tips and questions:

An easy way to make crab eyes
Why don't people use a piece of yarn in between blood knots as a strike indicator?
Will a 3-weight switch rod handle streamers for smallmouths?
What can I do to protect flies and tying materials?
Can I use springbok hair in place of deer hair?
Can I fish tungsten nymphs on a sinking line effectively?
When do I set the hook when sight-nymphing for trout?
How do you re-sharpen fly-tying scissors?
If I test my dry flies in water and they tip over on their sides, should I still use them?
Some further information on how chemical sharpening of hooks works

Fishing for Stripers off Long Island, with Sam Sifton Apr 11, 2020

[Interview starts at 37:13] This week I interview Sam Sifton, former Cooking Editor, now Assistant Managing Editor of The New York Times, and an avid fly-rod striped bass angler. It's quite a rambling discussion, from striper fishing on Long Island to the current state of striper populations to the writing of Peter Matthiessen. Along the way, of course we get some fish cooking advice but only for bluefish. Learn why Sam and I don't eat striped bass (and it's more than just about catch-and-release for the sake of the population). In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions:

Do you have any tips for fishing a very large river?
How long do hooks stay sharp, and can I re-sharpen chemically sharpened hooks?
Why don't you develop biodegradable hooks?
Why am I having problems catching spring trout in Alaska?
I was recently fishing a delayed harvest section and caught some smaller, beautifully colored trout. Do you think they were wild?
Why am I developing pains in my wrist when casting my 8-weight?
Should I concentrate on getting really good at catching just one species, or should I try for all the species that are available in my area?
In a boundary layer between dirty and clean water, where will I find the trout?
In your TV show, you recommended a full sinking or depth charge line for bass in deep water. Can I use a sinking poly leader on my floating line as well?
I am having trouble tying off the hackle at the base of the post on my parachute flies like the Klinkhammer. Can you suggest some tips?
Can I get a fly rod that will be good for both steelhead and musky?

Behind the Scenes with Tom and Crew Apr 02, 2020

[Interview starts at 38:00] This week I interview Mark Melnyk, host and producer of The New Fly Fisher TV show and the co-producer of The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing Season 2. We tell some stories about what it's like filming a show and share some nasty tricks we played on cameramen over the past year. The Orvis show premieres this week on World Fishing Network, but shows will also premiere for the next 13 weeks every Sunday on The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing You Tube Channel. Season 2 will also appear on PBS and on Amazon Prime later in the year, once we have all the shows completed. In the Fly Box this week, we have a couple good tips from listeners (actually adding information to topics previously discussed on podcasts) including more detail on polarized lenses and why tilting your head helps, and also some additional information on keeping your muscles and joints in shape when fishing. We also have these questions:

Should I wait to buy a first fly rod now, or should I wait until I can go to an Orvis FF101 class once the stores re-open?
What suggestions do you have to help me tie on those size 20 and smaller flies?
I need up to 8 false casts to cast 60 feet. What am I doing wrong?
I enjoyed watching you tie a Clouser Minnow. How should I fish this fly for smallmouth bass in a river?
Why is it not OK to trim hackle on dry flies?
What data would you add to a streamside journal?
Do you think personal hygiene affects the sense of smell of trout?
Once I start traveling again I want to try some saltwater species. Which ones should I target on my trip?

Keeping Yourself in Shape for Fishing Season, with Anita Coulton Mar 26, 2020

[Interview starts at 36:56] Sooner or later, if you fish a lot you WILL develop issues with your elbows or shoulders. And it's not just us old geezers who suffer from these--I often meet much younger anglers with the same problems. Anita Coulton is both a fishing guide for Crosscurrent Guide Service and a physical therapist, so she is intimately familiar with the issues we face, how to help prevent them, and how to fix them when they occur. If you have ever had these problems, or if you just want to know how to keep your upper body in shape for fishing I think you'll benefit from the podcast. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips:

How do I slim down my fly selection for small-stream fishing?
What is the best way to fish crayfish patterns?
A question about trout feeding times in relation to season and sunlight
I want to catch trout but have only been bass fishing. What fly line should I get?
Should I get a 6-weight or 7-weight rod for smallmouth bass?
I fish a really snaggy river. Should I tie all of my favorite nymphs on jig hooks?
Is a 9-foot or 10-foot rod better in the wind?
Should I get a Helios 3D or 3F or a Superfine glass rod for all-around fishing in Alberta? I want to get a 4-weight
What is the best all-around color for sunglass lenses?
A tip on retrieving lost flies with your magnetic net holder
When looking at a fly recipe, how do you know what order to tie in materials?
Why wouldn't my spin reel fit on my fly rod, and is it a good idea to put a spin reel on a fly rod?

Trout Spey Flies with Tim Flagler Mar 20, 2020

Interview starts at 32:13

We’ve done a bit with trout Spey on the podcast, but never one specifically on flies for trout Spey. Luckily, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, who produces the best fly tying videos, has become a trout Spey addict and in the podcast he talks about tactics and tying special patterns for Trout Spey.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following tips and questions:

When king salmon move into a pool, do they push the resident trout around?
During high water, do trout swim around a lot?
A great tip on tilting your head for better glare reduction with polarized lenses
Are long-shank hooks a good or bad idea for pike fishing?
Why aren’t there more white trout flies?
Why is it tough to catch trout in the Northeast during the winter?
What advantages does a 10-foot 8-weight H3 rod offer over a 9-footer?
I have heard that a heavier rod helps you land bigger fish. Won’t a lighter rod offer better tippet protection?
Is there one line that will work for both Lake Texacoma and Gulf Coast salt water?
Is UV resin toxic? Does it have a strong smell?

Video- Orvis Guide to Fly-Fishing Sneak Peak Mar 19, 2020

Check out Tom's upcoming episode on pre-spawn bass.

Euro Nymphing Lines, with George Daniel Mar 12, 2020

This week I interview the great George Daniel (interview starts at 48:40), who you will see soon in the new installments of the Orvis TV show. The show I did with him, on Euro Nymphing basics, should be premiered sometime in May. But until then, George discusses the pros and cons of using straight monofilament vs. and actual fly line for Euro Nymphing—both have their advantages and George gives us some good guidance on their use, as well as other tips on this deadly method of fly fishing borrowed from competition anglers. We also get sidetracked on the future of fly fishing and how both of us view the participation of younger anglers today.

In this Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions:

I am taking a six-day backpacking trip into the Appalachians. How much water should I expect to cover in a day of fishing?
How do I combat the “old boy” network in fly fishing?
What strategies do you recommend for carp in a small lake?
What does “web” refer to in fly tying, and what is schlappen?
Do you think a Helios 905F will be good enough for fishing the Blackfoot, Rock Creek, Gallatin, and Yellowstone Rivers or will I need a 905D?
How do you go about experimenting with new fly patterns you have tied?
Can I catch carp on a fly during the winter?
I have trouble with “trout setting” in salt water. Should I use a strip strike in all my trout fishing to get out of the habit?
Why doesn’t Orvis offer water testing kits?
I know trout do 90% of their feeding underwater, but I have recently discovered how effective a dry fly can be, even when no trout are rising.
Why should tippet size matter when fish can always see the hook?
Do you have a recommended leader for juvenile tarpon, and also for barracuda?

Secrets of the Salmon River Feb 28, 2020

Interview starts at 41:08 New York State’s Salmon River—you either love it or hate it, and some of us love and hate it at the same time. It’s an amazing resource, with large quantities of high-quality fish that are often chrome-bright and every bit as hot as their ocean-going relatives. It’s a beautiful river. It’s got great water for swinging flies. And then there’s the tough news. A river this productive will draw crowds, and some of them are not as well-behaved as most of us would like. But you can get away from crowds on this river, and Matt Ertzinger, veteran guide with Tailwater Lodge, shares his secrets on when to fish the river, how to avoid crowds, and what flies and tackle to use. Is it worth the trip? This podcast may help you decide.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following tips and questions:

Should I feel dirty about using Squirmies and similar flies?
What rod can I use for bass in Mississippi and trout in Arkansas?
Are there scuds and sowbugs in Eastern rivers?
What advantages do the new Recon Euro-nymphing rods offer?
Can I put a 9-weight line on my 6-8 weight reel?
Can I prevent my fly line from stacking to one side of the spool?
How can I fish a tiny, brushy stream in southern California?
How can I get my flies deeper in fast, deep water when fishing for sea-run brook trout?
What is the best ay to fish for pike in a small stream?
How can I put the hatch guidebook that I bought to good use?

The Wonders of Project Healing Waters Feb 21, 2020

This week we talk about Project Healing Waters and the amazing things it has done for veterans with both physical and mental issues due to their service. Over 8,000 veterans have been introduced to the healing properties of nature and fly fishing in this program, with hundreds of chapters throughout the country and thousands of volunteers. Todd Desgrosseilliers, decorated Marine veteran and a beneficiary of this program personally, is now the president of Project Healing Waters and he talks frankly about his experiences as a participant and then as an administrator. Learn about the program and how you can get involved, whether you are a veteran in need of healing or as a possible volunteer.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips:

What effects on fishing will the Australian wildfires have?
If I see a lot of tiny black stoneflies in the water, does that mean I should be fishing imitations of them?
A great additional suggestion on the benefits of a rotary fly-tying vise
A stream near me is stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout but it can support wild trout. Why are there only wild rainbows in this stream?
Can flies be made by machine?
What stream conditions are best for a single-handed Spey cast?
How do I tie a second streamer behind an articulated streamer?
What should I teach my wife, who has never fly fished, before we go on a guided trip together?
How can I practice for a tarpon trip if I only have an 8-weight rod?
What technique would you use on the Green River in Utah?
Is my 8 ½ foot 7 weight rod enough rod to use on the Salmon River in New York?

Is Catch-and-Release an Effective Conservation Tool? Feb 13, 2020

Interview starts at 51:28

This week’s podcast is a spirited discussion with Dr. Andy Danylchuk, Professor of Fish Conservation at UMass Amherst, Science Advisor for Keep Fish Wet (www.keepemwet.org) and Research Fellow for Bonefish Tarpon Trust. My question to Andy was about the effectiveness of catch-and-release as a conservation tool, and as always when talking with a scientist it depends on your definitions. Like “What is conservation?” and predictably that varies with a person’s values and experiences. I thought it was a thought-provoking conversation and hope you do was well.

In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips:

How do you put the hackle on a Stimulator?
What’s the best way to be ready for smaller cutthroats or big bull trout at the same time?
How can I maximize my success when fishing with my 4-year-old?
How can I plan trip to fish the Rocky Mountains?
Why do I keep losing fish?
Where do natural fly tying materials come from?
What is the best way to cast big streamers or nymph rigs?
What rod do you recommend for fishing Chesapeake Bay?
A tip for a great, inexpensive seine for trout streams
Where do you draw the line between ethical and unethical use of electronics when fishing?
What do you think of ultra-light fly fishing?
Should I get a saddle or cape for tying flies?
Do you recommend upgrading to a premium fly-tying vise?
Can you explain the difference between tailwaters, headwaters, and freestone rivers?

The Ultimate Tippet Podcast, with Josh Jenkins Feb 07, 2020

Interview segment begins at 43:02 I get regular and frequent questions on the differences between nylon and fluorocarbon tippet—when and where to use them, appropriate knots, special properties, and shelf life. I used to be involved in the development process of tippet and have visit many places where tippet is made. But that was years ago and a lot of progress has been made since my time in product development. So I invited Josh Jenkins, R&D manager at Scientific Anglers, to talk about recent innovations in tippet material. Josh is intimately involved in the development and testing of tippet for both Orvis and Scientific Anglers, and his knowledge is far greater that mine. I think you’ll learn some surprising tips on both tippet material construction and knots because I learned a lot in speaking with Josh.

The Fly Box this week is a little different. This one was recorded live at The Fly Fishing Show in Edison New Jersey. Rather than telling you what kinds of questions were asked (none of which were prompted or ones I had heard beforehand) I’ll let you discover these on your own. You never know what might happen in New Jersey…

From Phones to Drones- Taking Better Pictures on the Water Jan 23, 2020

Being a camera gear geek, I was delighted to interview Chris Niccolls (interview starts at 47:16) of DP Review TV. (If you are also a camera geek, you probably read DP Review regularly.) Chis is a photography teacher as well as a video star, has worked in camera shops, and currently works in a fly shop in Calgary. In the interview, he gives some fantastic tips on how to take better fish and fishing pictures in both the video and still formats. He also suggests some brands and models of phones, cameras, and drones that he feels are best suited for fishing photography. I know I learned a whole mess of new tricks for taking better fishing pictures, and I am sure you will, too.

In the Fly Box, we cover plenty of topics that may help answer questions you have had about fly fishing:

Should I get a 6½-foot or 7½-foot rod for small streams? What weight line is best, and should I get a Double Taper or Weight Forward line?
Do you carry a small seine with you when trout fishing?
How many wind knots should I expect in a day of fishing?
I fish for salmon and stripers. Should I get a full-sinking or sinking-tip line in addition to my floating line?
How do you travel with fly rods? Do you carry them on or check them?
Would a 12-foot, 6-inch two-handed rod be OK for both stripers and smallmouths?
What do you think offly clips?
Should I use nylon or Fluorocarbon tippets for dries and nymphs?
I have lost my passion for fly fishing. Does this ever happen to you?
A suggestion from a listener on targeting white bass in Texas on their spawning runs
If I only had one type of line for stripers, bass, and pike because of expense, what line should I buy?
Do you have any suggestions for catching stocked trout when the spin guys are catching tons of them using corn as bait?
Is there a big difference between the Battenkill IV Spey and Battenkill IV disc?
Is there an advantage to using a rotary vise?
How long does it take trout eggs to hatch?

Storied Waters, with David Van Wie Jan 18, 2020

I get frequent requests for suggestions on what fly-fishing literature to read during these long winter nights when you want to enjoy fly fishing but don’t want to snuggle up to something lighter. I invited David Van Wie (interview starts at 45:10), author of the recently published book Storied Waters—subtitled “35 Fabled Fly Fishing Destinations and the Writers and Artists Who Made The Famous”—to share with me his favorite writers and books. It is pretty much an eastern-oriented tour of these books, but don’t worry. I have an idea for someone to do a similar podcast on western North America writers on a future podcast so stay tuned.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and suggestions from listeners—and one who slapped my hands:

A listener who took me to task for encouraging another listener to try to introduce mayflies from one watershed into another. Shame on me. I didn’t think about also transferring other unwanted critters and I should have known better
Can I use the same nymphs under an indicator that I use when Euro nymphing and vice versa?
A suggestion from a listener about the great classes available at Orvis stores
What are the pros and cons of indicator vs. non-indicator nymphing?
What is your opinion on click-and-pawl fly reels?
Does anyone rent waders? I don’t want to pack them into my luggage.
What gear do you carry when saltwater fly fishing that you would not carry on a trout stream?
Can I attach droppers to a tippet ring?
Why can’t I catch stocked trout when conventional anglers are yanking them in on Power Bait?
I had a trout take my plastic strike indicator. Does this ever happen to you?
Does perfection matter when tying flies? I have trouble tying a size 20 Purple Prince.
Do midges migrate to Indiana during the winter?
Why can’t I catch stocked trout on surface flies?

Chasing White Bass, with Jim Weatherwax Jan 10, 2020

Tired of crowded trout streams? Looking for a new fish to catch on a fly rod that will give you a tussle and challenge your skills? Look no further than the white bass, which is a common fish in many parts of the US, from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi drainage and has even been introduced into some western lakes. My friend Jim Weatherwax is a white bass fanatic (he also fishes for wipers in the same waters, which are a freshwater sterile hybrid of a white bass and a striped bass) and offers solid advice on where to find these great fish, what tackle to use, and best techniques to catch them. Warmwater fish like this are great ways to spread out the fishing pressure that we all experience from time to time.

We have a long fly box this week, with lots of interesting questions and tips from listeners, including:

What does it mean when a fly rod is rated for more than one line size, like 5/6?
Should I use a full fluorocarbon leader when fishing with indicators?
A suggestion on looking for blue cheeks and clean halos when trying to tell if a brown trout is wild.
What is the difference between the new Recon 2 and the Helios 3 rods?
Should I buy a wading shoe one size larger than my shoe size when buying wading bots online?
What do you think of using 2X short hooks for small nymphs?
I am not able to catch fish on streamers during the winter in a tailwater. What am I doing wrong?
Are fluorescent hot spots on nymphs effective?
Is it ethical to trim small tree branches in trout streams?
Why do trout only take big attractor dry flies right after they land on the water?
Are UV resins really effective?
Why am I losing so many trout when fishing small nymphs? Am I setting the hook wrong?
Do you have some suggestions for catching American shad?
Is it worth it to tie your own leaders? And if I do, how can I attach them to my fly line without a loop-to-loop connection?
Why do small brown trout attack huge streamers?
Should I get a Helios 3 D or F version for fishing UK chalk streams?
A suggestion for wearing nitrile gloves for winter fishing.

Barracuda! With Perk Perkins Dec 20, 2019

This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Orvis Executive Chairman of the Board, Perk Perkins, who spends a great deal of time chasing fish on saltwater flats and is one of the best technical anglers I know. Perk and I share a fascination for barracuda. They are one of the most exciting fish you can catch on the flats, but are often ignored in favor of bonefish, permit, and tarpon. But cudas offer one of the most explosive strikes in fly fishing, run and jump like maniacs, and are often on the flats when other species are hard to find. You just need to modify your leader and your technique a bit to catch them, and Perk shares some tips on cudas that run contrary to popular conceptions—including the idea that faster is not always better on your retrieve, and that small, slim flies can work as well as bulkier flies designed for barracuda.

In the Fly Box this week, we have an assortment of questions and tips shared by listeners, including:

A recommendation for a reliable carp fly
A question about putting a 9-weight intermediate line on an 8-weight rod for wade fishing for striped bass
A tip on modifying the Hare’s Ear Nymph
A question about a simple dry/emerger that does not require hackle
A suggestion for holding flies using the magnetic closure on some fly boxes
A question about how to find winter hatches on trout streams
A question about Euro nymphing using rods not designed for that purpose
A question about the tip-flex rating on an older Orvis rod
A question about hatches on alpine lakes just after ice-out.
Are Helios 3 and Recon blanks made overseas?
What is the best way to teach my 8-year-old son to cast?
A suggestion for contacting local fly clubs for information when traveling to a new destination
Are spin anglers less ethical than fly anglers regarding crowding on the river?

Trout Markings and their Significance, with John McMillan Nov 28, 2019

This week I have another podcast with John McMillan, as I have to confess I love talking to John about fishy stuff. His knowledge and enthusiasm and passion are infectious and I think his interviews are always enlightening. This week we talk about The Colors of Trout—can we tell anything from the coloration of trout about their life history? Is there a good way to tell a hatchery form a wild fish? What does it mean when trout carry parr marks into adulthood? How quickly can trout change their coloration? And are the spot patterns on trout like fingerprints? Warning—we come up with more questions than answers and you may as well.

In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips:

A way to get a dropper off a surgeon’s knot to stand at 90 degrees to the tippet
A suggestion for an all-around rod for bass and Great Lakes steelhead
How to carry a sinking line without lugging around a second rod
Can I add 4X tippet to a 5X leader?
What is the best way to dispose of tippet clippings?
What is the difference between Euro, Tightline, Direct Contact, Spanish, Czech, and French Nymphing?
Does it make sense to try a mouse fly during the winter?
Do trout live in different places in freestone rivers than in tailwaters?
Do mayflies live in warm waters?
What is the best rod for an 8-year-old kid?
What is the best way to thin UV Cure epoxy?
If you see nymphs on the bottom, can you predict what adult insect to imitate?

There's No Such Thing As Streamer Season, With Courtney Despos Nov 22, 2019

There's no such thing as streamer season.

That’s the rallying cry of Courtney Despos, director of education and guide for Trouts Fly Fishing in Denver. Courtney is a self-professed streamer fanatic and she fishes them all season long, even in the dead of winter when most people are dragging nymphs along the bottom. Courtney shares her tips on winter streamer fishing, showing us how you can be successful fishing these flies all year long—as well as her tips for keeping warm when winter fishing.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the usual mashup of questions that range all over the place, including:

When I am fishing a hopper/scud combination, why do I have trouble hooking fish on the hopper even though the trout appear to be taking it?
A past fan of very fast rods details why she now enjoys rods with a more moderate action.
A listener gives a detailed plan for killing carpet beetles in fly-tying materials
Has anyone ever made a fly rod out of aluminum?
When is the second season of the Orvis TV show going to launch?
What are some good casting drills for the off season?
A plea from a listener in Louisiana for fly tiers to use nutria fut
What is a good entomology book for the Sierra region?
What is your opinion on furled leaders?
What are your thoughts on fluorocarbon? What sizes should I carry?
Further advice from a taxidermist on curing hides for fly tying
I need some advice on fighting large trout in a tight stream
A specialist in opthamology and visual sciences weighs in on dizziness after being in a drift boat
Can I use my 9-foot 6-weight bass rod for trout?
Why does the loop in my clear intermediate line keep cracking and what can I do to fix it?
Do whitefish and trout live in the same places?
Can I use my 9-foot 8-weight rod uplined to a 9-weight for trout in northern lower Michigan?

Joe Humphreys and the Fountain of Youth Nov 08, 2019

This week I interview one of my fly-fishing heroes, Joe Humphreys. He’s been an innovative angler all his life (he was “Euro nymphing” before the Europeans) but even more impressive is his love of life and fly fishing, and his energy on the river in his ninth decade. Joe talks about hot to stay young on the river, how to fish nymphs at night, and about the inspirational new film about his life called Live The Stream: The Story of Joe Humphrey. It’s now available own and rent on the iTunes Store: or Go to www.livethestreamfilm.com to buy the film on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Download and more platforms including: Prime Video, Google Play, Vimeo, and Youtube. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys the fly-fishing world and its history and traditions—and who wants to learn how to retain the enthusiasm of a 12-year old on the water.

Here are the important links:

Buy the film on LTS site: www.livethestreamfilm.com

Buy/Rent on iTunes: https://apple.co/2Iw0fQj

Nomadic Studio: www.thenomadic.com

In the Fly Box this week we have many interesting questions and suggestions:

What is the best way to manage fly tying both at home and in the office?
I broke my Tenkara rod when I got my fly snagged. What is the safest way to try to retrieve a snagged fly when using this type of rod?
Why won’t my clinch knots tighten properly?
How can I get over my reluctance to fish emergers?
A suggestion from a taxidermist on how to handle raw deer hides for fly tying.
Do trout take Perdigons in unnatural colors out of curiosity or do you think they resemble food?
What is an easy way to learn fly-fishing entomology?
Why do the trout I take in mountain streams carry parr marks even into adulthood?
What do I tell people who berate me for torturing fish?
Are there circumstances when I should set my indicator shallower than 1 ½ times the water depth?
I can’t seem to get away from the crowds no matter how far I drive. What should I do?
If I find lots of creek chubs in a stream, does that mean it won’t also hold trout?
If you are not certain how to pair two streamers together, does it make sense to fish just one?
Can I use split shot to get my nymphs deeper when Euro nymphing instead of tying my own flies with varied weights?
Do you have some tips for casting a Depth Charge line?
Do you have some suggestions on how to swing flies for Great Lakes steelhead?

Creeped out in Lordville Oct 31, 2019

This week I had a couple guests lined up but we had to reschedule, and because I have not done a new podcast in a few weeks because of my travel schedule I decided to tell a story. It’s from a magazine piece I did a number of years ago for the now-defunct magazine Fly Rod & Reel, and I have been toying with the idea of doing an audio book of my magazine stories over the years so I’m trying this to test the concept. The name of the story is “Creeped Out in Lordville” and it’s about all the decisions we have to make in the prime part of the season when fishing is good almost anywhere. It’s a departure from the usual podcast format of nuts-and-bolts advice so I hope you enjoy it. And not to fear, there is still a Fly Box section where I do offer advice on simple technique and tackle questions if that’s the kind of stuff you’re looking for. In the Fly Box this week, we have the questions and suggestions from readers: Some great professional advice on that recurring theme of lower back pain while fly fishing What are the practical benefits of smooth vs. textured lines in the new Orvis Pro Fly Lines? What do competitive anglers do for their own nymphing when not bound by competition rules? How do you fish for brown trout at night? What are times to avoid when trout fishing? Is air temperature, flow, or water temperature the most important consideration for trout fishing when the heat of summer is over? Why did a brown trout swim over to me and rub my ankles? Is there one rod I can use for both Midwest steelhead fishing and musky fishing? A suggestion that Bigeye Hooks have benefits beyond just easier threading Why does my nymph rig break at the surgeon’s knot instead of the clinch knot connection to the fly? What’s the best feather for palmering wet flies? What are some “go to” patterns for Euro nymphing? After I catch a fish, should I stay in the same pool or move on?

16 Things I Wish I Knew About Trout Spey Before I Started, with Shawn Combs Oct 11, 2019

In today's podcast my guest is Shawn Combs, head of Orvis Rod & Tackle product development and Orvis rod and reel designer. The topic is "16 Things I Wish I Knew About Trout Spey Before I Started". If you have been thinking about trying to swing wet flies or small streamers for trout with a two-handed rod, also known as "Micro Spey", this will be a valuable lesson for you. These are light two-handed rods, in line sizes 3 and 4, designed for covering larger waters. It's especially effective in the fall, when trout are getting aggressive as the move into winter and brown and brook trout are migrating to their spawning grounds. It's a fun and for many of us a new way to fish for trout. In the Fly Box this week, here are some of the questions and suggestions from listeners:

I know there are large trout in my river. What kind of water do I look for and what else should I keep in mind when targeting these larger fish?

I have been setting the hook on smallmouth bass by sweeping my rod parallel to the water. Can you take a moment or two to discuss the pros and cons of various rod angles when setting the hook?

How can I tell if my waders are leaking or if I am just sweating inside them?

My wife and I had over 40 fish rise to our dry flies and only hooked a couple. Any idea what was going on or how to land these fish? What, to you, is the essence of Atlantic salmon fishing?

A tip from a listener on how to target flathead catfish on a fly If I take my nine weight switch rod to Florida, what line size should I use on it for fishing from the surf?

A suggestion from a listener on another thing to be careful of regarding river etiquette.

What is the best way to get unstuck when you hook your fly on an object?

Do you have any recommendations on fishing crayfish patterns for smallmouth bass?

When there is thick aquatic weed on a river, what do you suggest for nymphing techniques?

Why am I suddenly beginning to hit my rod on my back cast?

A suggestion from a listener on the benefits of multi-focal contact lenses.

The Secret Life of Steelhead, with John McMIlllen Oct 03, 2019

This week my guest is noted steelhead angler and scientist John McMillen of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. John’s topic is The Secret Life of Steelhead, and his fascinating discussion of why they do what they do (and the challenges they face) held me in absolute fascination. I am sure you’ll feel the same. Besides being a lifelong steelhead angler (John was a tester on our new Mission Series of two-handed rods), john has spent hundreds of days snorkeling steelhead rivers observing them, and at one time he was fishing about 345 days a year. John has worked professionally for the US Forest Service, the Hoh Indian Tribe, the Wild Salmon Center, and recently for NOAA on the Elwha dam removal project. Despite his lifetime of studying the life history and ecology of steelhead, John remains an optimist on the future of steelhead and it gives us hope that someone who understands them so well feels they have a chance of survival. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and suggestions from listeners: How to clean waders with vodka! A tip on a simple tool for tying nail knots A suggestion for a quick change rig for catching barracuda when fishing for bonefish and permit Why am I having trouble hooking brown trout on terrestrials? What waders do you recommend for someone starting out? What safety precautions do you take on the water? When you first get to the river, how do you decide which nymphing technique to use? What regular fly line size works on the Practicaster? Is there a good way to mark large smallmouth bass so I can see if I am catching the same ones? Silver saltwater hooks don’t work well for me when I fish Clousers in salt water. Why? I have a box of old leaders that are between five and 20 years old. Should I use them? Can I fish for steelhead in Lake Ontario tributaries with a 9-foot 8-weight rod? Why do I see so many scarred fish in a particular river? What other presentations should I use in high, dirty water when streamers don’t work?

Seek the Inside, Reading the Water with Simon Perkins Sep 26, 2019

This week, my guest is Orvis COO Simon Perkins, a lifelong fly fisher with 8 years of full-time guiding experience prior to working for Orvis. The subject is “Seek the Inside”, getting detailed about reading the water in a place that many anglers ignore—and one of the best places to find trout. Learn how to find these inside places and how to fish them from a highly experienced guide and fly fisher—and a great story teller. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: How do I keep my fine scissors sharp? What should I avoid cutting with them? I have an 8 ½ foot 5 weight Encounter rod and need something bigger as well. What weight rod should I think of for my next one? A great tip on how to relieve lower back pain when fishing all day. Why don’t we have wild rainbow trout in more streams if they are so easy to grow in a hatchery? What is causing my leader to twist when fishing with a dry dropper? What are some good fly patterns to tie for panfish, ones that are easy for a beginner to tie? What would cause a large brown trout to suddenly dart erratically in all directions and then return to the same spot? What can I do to keep the tip of my floating line from sinking? Why am I having so much trouble making short casts on small streams? Is a 5-weight rod too small for bass? Can Antron be used as a parachute post material? Why do the wings on my poly wing spinners sweep back along the body and how can I fix it? How would you approach an unknown stream if you only had a few hours to fish?

Secrets of Lake Erie Steelhead Tributaries, with Alberto Rey Sep 19, 2019

This week’s podcast is called “Secrets of Lake Erie Steelhead Tributaries” and my guest expert is Alberto Rey, a longtime Orvis-Endorsed Guide and is also Distinguished Professor for Research and Creative Activity in the State University of New York system. He is a fine artist who specializes in Cuban-influenced scenes and such esoteric subjects as steelhead and extinct birds. Alberto also does some fine work with a youth fly-fishing program. Despite all his interests and activities days on the river with him are surrounded by an aura of calm and he’s a wonderful person to share a day with on the river. In the podcast he gives us tips on seasons, fly patterns, techniques, and tackle needed to chase steelhead in the eastern portion of Steelhead Alley—although steelhead anglers will learn tips they can use on smaller rivers anywhere steelhead are found. In the Fly Box this week we tackle the usual array of both advanced and basic questions including: What retrieve should I use when saltwater fly fishing? I tried it in Greece and didn’t catch anything. Can I use Poly Leaders for both steelhead in Oregon and saltwater species in California on my single-handed rod? A great tip from a listener on how to use bobber stoppers to make an adjustable dry/dropper rig. If I want to extend the butt on my leader, how do I know what size to use? How do I modify my hook-setting technique on downstream dry flies? Why do some brook trout carry parr marks throughout their life? What do you recommend for targeting perch in France? How do you tell a male from a female brown trout?

Advanced Stillwater Techniques, with Phil Rowley Aug 22, 2019

I frequently get questions about Stillwater trout fishing, and although I love it I am not very good at it. So I enlisted one of the best Stillwater teachers I know, Phil Rowley, and asked him to discuss something more advanced that relates to Stillwater trout fishing. The result is a very detailed discussion of fishing nymphs, especially midge imitations, on a very long leader. With this technique you can fish surprisingly deep—if you are patient! In the Fly Box this week we have the following questions: Is there any value in underlining a fly rod? How do I get foul odors out of my waders? How do I target stripers and smallmouth when the water is over 70 degrees and trout are also present? What is your go-to technique in a trout stream if you don’t see anything feeding? If you could only select one sequence, would you pick odd or even sizes of fly rods? My lower back is killing me after a long day of fishing. What can I do to alleviate this problem? How do I approach a stretch of river with deep pools and virtually no current? How can I teach my friends to recognize a strike to a nymph? Is it safe to bring the line/leader connection inside my rod guides? I am going to the Yellowstone area. Is it worth it to hire a guide?

Secrets of Catching Sipping Trout, with Dave Perkins Aug 15, 2019

Secrets of catching sipping trout with Dave Perkins This week I interview Dave Perkins, Orvis Vice Chairman and one of the best technical anglers I know. Dave loves geeky challenges and is an expert at catching those picky large trout that lay up against the banks and sip small flies—ones that most anglers don’t even notice. In the Fly Box this week we have the following questions: Can I use a Bimini Twist knot to attach my leader to my fly line? Why does a trout that is sipping quietly suddenly attack my dry fly? Is there a way to land large trout in a small stream without a net? A tip on using split ring pliers for removing split shot. How do you choose where to go fishing when there are so many options? What books did you use when starting out, and where do you get your information these days? How do I avoid foul hooking fish when dry dropper fishing with a nymph on a short dropper Which is better, a fiberglass or bamboo rod? Is there a way to connect a tarpon or cuda fly directly to my bonefish fly? I have heard it can be done with a loop. How do I know how fast to set the hook on rising trout? Is it ethical to target bass on spawning beds?

Drift-Boat Etiquette on Crowded Water. with Wade Fellin Aug 08, 2019

This week the main topic of the podcast is the issue of etiquette on our more crowded trout streams, in particular the conflicts that have arisen due to the popularity of fishing from drift boats and the issues that have developed both with boat and wade anglers. My guest is Wade Fellin, Montana native, lifelong fishing guide, and lodge owner. Wade gives some examples of recent poor etiquette he’s seen on his home river, the Big Hole, and how these kinds of conflicts can be avoided. We also explore some ways that clients as well as guides can help mitigate these issues. In the Fly Box this week, as usual we have some interesting questions (and tips) that I hope will be of interest to everyone. Some of the topics we explore are: What do you think of flies with spinner blades in front of them? Are Tenkara rods good in small brushy streams? Should I be worried about fishing in a lightning storm with my graphite rod? What are your thoughts about orientation on articulated hooks? What can I do about CDC getting slicked back on my flies? Is swinging flies for smallmouths a valid tactic? Can I swing wet flies with my level competition line? What can I do about red dye running from materials on my flies? Is it OK to use a level leader when surf and jetty fishing? What can we do about fish in heavily fished areas getting mangled mouths? Can I catch catfish on a fly? I have heard people say they catch trout with 80-foot casts? What is a practical casting distance?

Fly Patterns Old and New, with Tim Flagler Aug 01, 2019

This week, back by popular demand is Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, who is one of the best fly-tying teachers around and also produces the best tying videos on the Internet (like our One-Minute Fly Tying Tips, available on Orvisnews.com or in the Orvis Learning Center.) Tim and I talk about great new patterns and old patterns that should be resurrected, as well as taking old patterns and incorporating modern materials into them. We also discuss that state of fly-tying today, which is probably more exciting than at any other time in history because of the great interchange of ideas in places like Instagram and You Tube.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and suggestions:

Suggestion on how to keep your split shot from sliding down the leader
Suggestion on how to remove water from dry flies that won’t cost you a cent!
Do nymphs work all season long? What method should I start with?
Should I do anything to maintain my old Orvis Green Mountain outfit?
What do you think of foam posts for parachute flies?
How do I catch rolling tarpon in deep water?
How can I catch gar on a fly?
Can I use big streamers on small streams in Central New York?
I like short rods. Should I get the 6-foot Superfine Carbon or 6/12-foot Orvis Superfine Glass rod?
Can I buy the right Comparadun hair online?

The Ultimate Wet Fly Podcast with Davy Wotton Jul 28, 2019

This week my guest is Davy Wotton, originally from Wales but who now lives and guides on the White River in Arkansas. I get frequent questions about swinging soft hackles and wet flies, and honestly I am not the best at this technique so I brought in who I consider the ultimate expert on this kind of fishing. Davy blends the British traditions with American conditions so he really has the best perspective on this kind of fishing, which can be both challenging and subtle—especially when fish are taking emergers. It’s a LONG podcast, but since I have never done one on this topic I make up for lost time. And Davy had many interesting points to make. The Fly Box is a bit shorter this week because the main podcast is so long. But we cover some interesting questions as usual: What can I do to keep my Stimulators floating? When do you fish a nymph and when do you fish a streamer? Can you use weed guards on trout flies? Why am I breaking off so many fish? Do some rod guides work better than others? More on pressure and its effects on fish What is the difference between a freshwater and saltwater rod? How can I see my fly in a fast riffle? How do I know if small streams hold trout? Why do trout bump my flies and why do they come off quickly?

Beyond the Bobber, with Ben Sittig Jul 19, 2019

This week’s podcast is not about using alternative methods to a bobber or strike indicator. It’s how to make your fishing more effective—and more fun—when you do use a bobber. And my special guest is Ben Sittig from Colorado, better known to those of you who follow You Tube and Instagram as The HUGE Fly Fisherman. His videos and posts are helpful but funny, and as he admits, a bit snarky. But in a good way and his advice is solid. Ben talks about how, by concentrating on the indicator itself we don’t realize what is going on beyond it, down where our flies are drifting, and offers some solid advice. And then we run out of bobber stuff to talk about so we both get up on our respective soap boxes and talk about the state of the world of fly fishing, particularly when it comes to social media. I hope you find our ramblings entertaining.

In the Fly Box this week we have lots of interesting questions. One of the best batches in a long time. Maybe I’m training you to ask questions I can answer or maybe it’s just because everyone is fishing and has some great thoughts in their heads.

When you make a heavier fly rod, do you use the same taper and just add material?
How to I kill off carpet beetles in my fly-tying capes?
Why can I catch brown trout in four to five feet of water but not in those 10-foot pools?
I have to drive over two hours to catch trout. How can I learn more about fly fishing?
Is it easier to hook trout on a Tenkara rod than on a conventional rod?
Is there any function in different eye types on hooks?
Do you know of a good way to make an adjustable nymph dropper for a dry/dropper rig?
Why won’t trout that are feeding on smaller flies eat my Stimulator?
What is the best way to add four feet of level tippet to a fly line when streamer fishing?
How far do stocked brown trout move?
Why can I only catch trout on olive streamers when my river has sculpins in it?
Why does my tippet get twisted when I fish big foam flies?

Five Things an Expert Euro Nymphing Angler Learned this Year, with Jesse Haller Jul 03, 2019

We all learn something every time we go fishing, even the amazing vacuum cleaner Jesse Haller, our resident Euro nymphing expert. So I asked Jesse what he has learned over the past 12 months, and it’s a fun and eye-opening interview that got me excited about trying some new ideas and strategies for Euro nymphing. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions:

Is there a good way to figure out what fly sizes I can use on a given rod?
Can I use big trout streamers for Atlantic salmon? Why are traditional salmon flies tied they way they are?
I have trouble with line handling with two-handed rods. What should I do?
I can’t find smallmouth bass in my river even though I know they live there. What kind of water should I look for?
Why do some hook styles come in odd sizes like 13 and 15?
I can’t get enough distance on big lakes with my 9 foot 6 weight Recon rod. Would a longer rod help? Would a two-handed rod get me more distance?
Is it necessary to pinch the barb on hooks smaller than size 20?
Why can’t I get flies shipped from the US to Canada, and is there any way to get around this?
If I catch a big fish, is it OK to go back to try and catch it again in the same day?
I am having trouble deciding on the right line for bass fishing on my 909 rod. Some bass bug lines are rated two line sizes heavier. What should I do?

Backcast: Fly-Fishing for Pike, with Drew Price Jun 28, 2019

This is a special backcast episode in that we also are posting an accompanying video over on the Orvis Fly-Fishing Video Podcast. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe! Here is Tom's summary from when this ran in March of 2011: We have a very exciting podcast for you this week. Many of you have asked for a pike podcast, and we've delivered what I think is one of our best presentations in two parts. Part 1 is an audio interview I conduct with pike expert Drew Price, where he goes into great detail on where, when, and how to catch pike. Also in part 1, we have some tips in the Fly Box section on fishing CDC flies, choosing one rod for bass and trout, and how to get your nymph deep in small plunge pools. Part 2 is a video where we have tips on pike fishing (along with some shots of nice pike caught on a fly), courtesy of The New Fly Fisher TV show. I know I learned a ton from interviewing Drew and watching the video and can't wait to get at the pike this spring.

Walleye on the fly, with Ted Putnam Jun 21, 2019

It’s not difficult to catch walleye on the fly if you know where and when to go after them. I have gotten frequent requests from listeners on how to catch walleye on the fly and have never been able to find the right expert guest. Then, a few weeks ago while filming a bass fishing episode for the upcoming second season of the Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide TV show, I found my expert—Ted Putnam of Hawk Lake Lodge. Ted has shown numerous experts how to catch not only just walleye but trophy walleye on the fly, and he shares his expertise on when and where, what flies to use, what lines to use, and how to retrieve the fly. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: Why can’t I get bass to eat my mouse flies? Why don’t the fish on my river eat salmon flies? How often can I fish a population of trout and will it hurt them? More discussions on fish and changes in barometric pressure. (This will be an ongoing discussion) Why do I keep losing fish when using a heavily weighted barbless fly? Can I use my 9-foot 5 weight rod for bass fishing? What is the strangest fly material you have ever used? When should I use Comparaduns? What kind of roadkill can I use for fly tying? Why did mahi in the Gulf Stream ignore my flies? How does water temperature affect fish and insects? Why do people not fish dry flies much any more?

Backcast Episode- Ten Tips for Getting Young People into Fly Fishing Jun 13, 2019

In honor of Father's Day and since Tom is still out on the road, we've pulled a popular show from the archives on how to teach young people how to fly fish.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.

Tom should be back next with your questions.

How Trout Think, with Dr. Russ Carpenter Jun 06, 2019

This week’s podcast is one of the biggest eye-openers I have ever done. Not only did I learn a lot, I have actually changed my views on a number of topics, including the effects of the moon on fishing and the effects of a change in barometric pressure. My guest, Russ Carpenter, is a neurologist at Stanford who studies the brains and senses of fish, specifically rainbow trout. He answers lots of question about a trout’s sense of smell, vision, and hearing. Including UV vision. I hope you learn as much as I did in this podcast. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions: Do you really fish with bamboo rods? Aren’t graphite and glass better? Why did I see large steelhead in a Great Lakes tributary in July? What is your opinion on stocking fish in wild trout streams? Is a 6-weight line from 30 years ago the same size as a modern 6-weight?Can I dye a fly line with RIT dye? What is the best saltwater weed guard? Are some spooky fish truly un-catchable? Is there anything I can do to try to catch them? Is there a difference between a Scottish brown trout and a German brown? I am landing trout up to 20 inches without letting them run. Am I doing something wrong? What do you think about weighted soft hackles? With modern runner soles like the Michelin sole on the Pro Boot, is there any need for studs?

The Salmonfly Hatch, with John Way May 30, 2019

This week we’re talking about a spectacle of nature that happens every year in the Rockies in June—the salmonfly hatch. This is a giant stonefly that excites big trout and fly fishers—but it’s difficult to plan for and not as easy to fish as you might imagine. John Way of The Tackle Shop in Ennis, the oldest fly shop in Montana, gives his tips on the life cycle of this giant stonefly, how to fish the hatch, and how to avoid some of the inevitable drift boat traffic the hatch attracts. If you are planning a trip to the Rockies soon this is one you won’t want to miss. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and comments: How do I catch the big trout I see on Instagram? I never see them myself when I am on the river. How long before stocked trout tune into feeding on natural foods? If I accidentally kill a fish in a catch and release section, should I try to keep it to eat or just let it die? Is there an advantage to tying my second nymph to the eye of the first fly? When should I do this? When is a drop-shot rig better than conventional weight on the leader? Should I get a 5-weight or 6-weight rod for fishing indicator rigs on a windy lake? What fly materials are fairly universal and can for used for a variety of patterns? Why did I see some big trout in a tributary to a larger trout stream? A special tutorial on how to open a pair of forceps (you won’t want to miss this one!) How do we get younger people involved in organizations like Trout Unlimited?

Protecting the Montana Headwaters, with Scott Bosse May 24, 2019

This week I have a chat with Scott Bosse of American Rivers on the Montana Headwaters Security Act, a 7-year program that will hopefully come to fruition in 2020. It’s draft legislation for new Wild and Scenic river designations on some of the best rivers and streams on public lands in Montana. This draft legislation is the culmination of seven years of outreach to a broad cross-section of Montanans from across the state. During this time they have met with over 500 business owners, watershed groups, land trusts, recreation groups, riverside landowners, sportsmen and sportswomen, conservation organizations and other stakeholders. What they heard at those meetings mirrored what they learned in two bipartisan polls in 2013 and 2016 – Montanans love their rivers and want to see more of them protected using the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. It’s appropriate that this major legislation is happening in Montana, because the idea for the original Wild and Scenic Rivers legislation was born in Montana and was signed into law by President Johnson in 1968. In the Fly Box this week, we have questions and suggestions from listeners, including the following: The reason for the T-designation for sinking heads Can I use Tenkara flies with standard fly-fishing tackle? Why can’t I catch fish on nymphs? Do you have some tips for limestone streams? When it is advisable to purposely un-match the hatch Can I use hiking bots in place of wading boots? Can I use midge-sized flies all year long? They only work for me in the winter. Can I use an unweighted fly with a Euro-nymphing rig? Is it a good idea to use gear lubricant on my fly line? Why is fly-fishing gear so much more expensive than conventional gear? Where should I add split shot in relation to my streamer? Is there an easy way to remove split shot?

Hatches of the Catskills, with Evan Lavery May 16, 2019

This week I was down in the Catskills and stopped in to chat with Evan Lavery of The Beaverkill Angler in Roscoe, New York. The topic of our podcast is hatches of the freestone rivers of the Catskills, in particular the Beaverkill and Willowemoc Creek. These are rivers rich with tradition and also rich with a diverse insect population--although they don't have the quantity of insects seen in the Catskill tailwaters like the Delaware, they have a more diverse population so you never know what you'll see. Plus, for the wading angler, these rivers don't have drift boats thus they can be more pleasant for fly fishers on foot. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and more: What leader should I use for pike and muskie? How do I fish for grayling in high mountain lakes? Do trout eat moths? What fly line is best for short casts? What indicators do you prefer? How do I tell the difference between a wild and stocked brown trout? Plus a harrowing tale of an "extreme angler"

Backcast Black Diamond Episode- Six Tips on Fishing Emergers May 09, 2019

Tom is on the road this week so we are posting a backcast episode from January of 2011 on emergers. This is one of Tom's "Black Diamond" episodes where he shares some more advanced fly-fishing techniques.

Funny and Bizarre Stories from River Guides May 02, 2019

This week, fresh from the Orvis Guides’ Rendezvous in Montana, I returned with a bunch of stories and tips I recorded with some full-time, professional Orvis-endorsed guides in a bar. Some stories are bizarre, some funny, and some touching. I also asked each guest for a tip so it’s not all pure entertainment. There is just a bit of bathroom humor around body functions, so just be warned in case you listen to these with kids. Nothing I would not share with my kids but just in case… In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and a couple great tips from listeners. A series of great tips on what to focus on when teaching a friend to fly fish. If jig hooks ride point up, why do fly tiers put the wing case on the side that points down when it is in the water? If trout face upstream, and you should approach them from downstream, why do all these people catch lots of fish using Euro nymphing methods when fish are directly across or even downstream from them? I have a 9 ft 6 weight Recon. I want to fish in small trout streams and for panfish. What lighter rod would you recommend? My big tungsten beads keep slipping over the hook eye. What can I do to prevent this? I fish in a river that has stocked trout and native smallmouth but I am really targeting the smallmouth. Why do I only catch trout this time of year? Why don’t your rods have hook keepers? I have been told to make my fly cast like I am holding a pretzel rod and I should be making a motion like I am trying to break the pretzel. But I get fatigue in my wrist. Is this a good casting tip? What is the dumbest way you have ever broken a rod? If you don’t have the correct fly size to match an insect, is it better to go one size smaller or one size larger when matching the hatch?

The Hidden History of Fly Fishing, with Paul Schullery Apr 25, 2019

So you thought you knew something about fly-fishing history? This week I have a chat with Paul Schullery, in my opinion the premier fly-fishing historian in North America. When I have a question about history Paul is my go-to guy. He’s the author of at least 50 natural history books, was a historian for Yellowstone National Park, and when he lived in Vermont was executive director of The American Museum of fly fishing. In the podcast, you’ll learn that not many things are new in fly fishing. Tenkara-style fishing was used in Europe hundreds of years ago. People were catching bass on a fly in Florida since revolutionary days. Euro nymphing? Drop shot techniques? Fly fishing for pike? Saltwater fly fishing? Those were all done hundreds of years ago. Paul also goes into some detail on women in fly fishing, and how women have been involved in the sport since the very beginning. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: Is it worth it to buy prescription polarized sunglasses and where do I buy good ones? What works best for early season brook trout in Vermont? Am I cheating if I use a small wireless fish finder on my pontoon boat? Why do you call this The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide podcast? Is it just for guides? Why doesn’t anyone make a fiberglass rod longer than nine feet? How do I search the podcasts for a topic? What is the best way to catch white perch on a fly rod? I bought an old reel with a fly line on it and the line is all kinked up. Can I fix the line or should I trash it? Can I use fluorocarbon spinning line as a leader? Why did I have trouble catching fish when they were rising? I can catch them on nymphs. What is a good rotary fly-tying vise in the $100-$200 price range?

Sinking Lines, with Josh Jenkins Apr 19, 2019

A few weeks ago I did a podcast with Josh Jenkins of Scientific Anglers on floating fly lines. Not only was it popular, I hinted that we might do one on sinking lines, which produced a minor barrage of requests for one. So here it is. You’ll learn about how sinking lines are made, what those designations like IPS, Class V, and T-14 mean and how to use them in your fishing. You’ll also get some hints on how to pick the right sinking line for your own situations. In the Fly Box this week, we cover the following suggestions and questions: A suggestion on how to get a nice flat shape when tying nymphs A heads up about the FFI Fly-Tying Awards Why do I lose so many trout using size 22 hooks? Should I bend the hooks out a bit? Can I substitute monofilament for fine wire on my Elk Hair Caddis? How do I extend the butt section of my leader? Exactly what knots do I need? Is it OK to use flies tied for different species in other habitats? How do I catch walleye on a fly? I am legally blind and want to catch brook trout on small mountain streams? What is the best method for me? Can I use UV resin instead of head cement on smaller flies? What are the most effective colors of Dragon Tails? What sinking line is best for any given body of water?

River Monsters, with Jeremy Wade Apr 11, 2019

This week my interview is with Jeremy Wade of “River Monsters” fame. You may remember the episode where he caught a huge arapaima on an Orvis H3 and Mirage reel. He doesn’t always use a fly rod, but he does enjoy everything from those giant fish in exotic locations to a small wild brown trout river near his home in the UK. We talk about lots of things other than river monsters—what he enjoys about fly fishing, how he stays in shape for fighting those beasts, and about the pleasures of getting to know a water intimately instead of the pressure of having to produce for the camera. He has a new TV show and a book coming out soon—you’ll learn all about them on the podcast. In the Fly Box this week we have some great questions: What is the difference between wild, native, and holdover trout? How do I get small beads on hooks when they don’t want to go over the bend? What is the correct way to “haul in a fish”? Will upgrading my rod make me a better angler? Would it make sense to overload my 8-weight rod for pike and musky with a 9-weight line to throw those bigger flies? What is the best way to collect insects from my local river for reference? Who are some older authors you recommend for pleasure reading? Can I use my “saltwater” fluorocarbon leaders in Alaska? What things currently restricted by the rules of competitive angling would competitors use for their own fishing? And finally, yet another great tip by a listener on how to keep Thing-A-Ma-Bobbers from slipping on thinner sections of leaders

Catching Big Brook Trout, with Mark Melnyk Mar 28, 2019

We’ve all heard about going to remote camps in Labrador or Quebec for large brook trout, but less well known are the drive-in rivers of Ontario. Ontario has some amazing wilderness fishing for large brook trout that can be accessed without a float plane, and Mark Melnyk, co-host of the TV show The New Fly Fisher has explored many of them in the course of scouting locations for his show. The fantastic part of the story is that he hardly ever needs to resort to a subsurface fly and most of the action is on the surface with mice and other floating imitations. Listen in to Mark’s tips on where to go and how to catch these trophy fish on a budget. In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and also some great tips from listeners (if these tips get any better I’ll be out of a job!) I only have a 7 ½ foot rod and it’s a bit short for working larger rivers. Can I use my 9 foot 8-weight for trout? Is tungsten toxic? A great tip on how to keep split shot from sliding on the leader A great tip for keeping Thing-A-Ma-Bobbers from sliding on your leader Can I fish the same big dries I use on the headwaters of a creek further down in the watershed? Where can my friend go to get help with his tailing loop? Are knotted leaders better than knotless leaders? Is it better to use a nail knot on my line instead of a loop-to-loop connection? How do I keep some old treasured wet flies from degrading? Are tactical barbless hooks better than just mashing the barb on a standard hook? Is it more effective to use a hackled dry fly or a Comparadun-type during a mayfly hatch? A great tip from a listener in Ireland on a method of fishing soft hackles called The Escalator Method

Selecting Flies for Saltwater, with Captain Tuck Scott Mar 21, 2019

This week’s podcast is a discussion with Captain Tuck Scott, head guide at Bay Street Outfitters of Beaufort, South Carolina. Tuck gives us solid tips on choosing flies for saltwater inshore species, concentrating on redfish and speckled sea trout. Of course we would be remiss to discuss fly selection without some advice on how to present them, and Tuck also shares his advice on how to fish various types of baitfish and crustacean imitations. Tuck is also going on the road! He is bringing his Maverick flats boat to various Orvis retail stores and giving free seminars on how to fish from a flats boat—how and when to take your shots, how to adjust to changing conditions—and most importantly, how to build a team with your guide. You can see Tuck in person based on the schedule below ORVIS GREENVILLE, SC FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019 11:00 AM 1:00 PM ORVIS CHARLOTTE, NC SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2019 12:30 PM 2:00 PM ORVIS ASHEVILLE, NC SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2019 12:30 PM 2:00 PM ORVIS ATLANTA, GA SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 11:00 AM 1:00 PM ORVIS ALPHARETTA SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019 11:00 AM 12:00 PM ORVIS CHARLESTON SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2019 11:00 AM 1:00 PM Store location to be announced. ORVIS RICHMOND, VA THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2019 11:00 AM 1:00 PM ORVIS MANCHESTER, VT SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019 11:00 AM 12:00 PM ORVIS MANCHESTER, VT SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 11:00 AM 1:00 PM

Planning your Strategy on the River, with Devin Olsen Mar 15, 2019

This week I interview Devin Olsen, who you may know about from competitive fly fishing, but we’re not going to talk about competition. Devin walks us through what to look for when you first approach a stream and how to come up with a strategy for a day of fishing. His new book Tactical Fly Fishing is now available but we get a sneak peak on what you’ll learn from his book. In the Fly Box this week, we talk about: Moving kids from a spinning rod to a switch rod How to deal with muddy and bloody feathers from a duck-hunting friend How to display fly rods in your house If my jig hooks bend when I get stuck in a snag, should I just bend them back and re-use them? If a 5-weight is considered an all-around rod in graphite, is it the same for fiberglass rods? What is the difference between hen necks and hen capes? A great suggestion for carrying a landing net on a plane Do catastrophic floods ruin trout fishing and the insect life? What length and line size do you recommend for both smallmouth bass and steelhead? Can I catch catfish with a fly rod? How should I organize my bonefish fly boxes? Which grain weight in the Depth Charge lines is best for surf fishing?

Tom and Tim's Annual Fly-Tying Spectacular, with Tim Flagler Mar 06, 2019

To continue our celebration of flies with the Giant Fly Sale, this week I have a long talk with Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, maker of the finest tying videos on the web. This is always one of the most eagerly awaited podcasts of the year, and it’s also one I look forward to because I enjoy talking to Tim about fly tying and always learn so much from him. I get a lot of questions about material substitutions, so what Tim and I decided to do was to take six popular flies, dissect them material by material, and recommend our favorite substitutes for each step. Here are the flies we include: Parachute Adams Clouser Minnow Prince Nymph Woolly Bugger Tunghead Zebra Midge Drunk & Disorderly Deceiver (we had to put one complicated pattern in there) In The Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: How do I keep split shot from sliding on my small diameter tippet Why do I keep losing fish? How do I get a tiny Baetis nymph deep? When is an indicator better than a Euro nymphing rig? What is a Cuda Tube? How do feeder streams affect fishing in a lake? What rod would be best for smaller streams in the East? Why could I not catch trout on a Zebra midge when there were midges all over the water later in the day? A terrific suggestion from a listener on how to turn a landing net into an insect seine by using panty hose How should I fish scuds in a spring creek? What is meant by “big streamers” as opposed to “small or medium streamers” and what line sizes work best with them.

Backcast Episode: Bugs, Bugs Bugs, with Peter Stitcher Mar 02, 2019

Editor’s Note: To celebrate the kickoff of the 2019 Giant Fly Sale, here’s a great backcast epiaode about choosing the right fly for a given situation. This week, I interview aquatic biologist and fly fisher Peter Stitcher, who not only has a great way of organizing fly boxes (a question I have always neglected to answer properly), but he also has some great guidance on how to figure out what is in the river and how to pick a fly from your box that will do the best job of imitating that insect—without any detailed knowledge of entomology. If you learn his acronyms PAUSE and MATCH, I am convinced you will have all the knowledge you need to be more successful. Listen to the podcast to learn what these acronyms mean.

Old-School Streamer Style, with Dom Swentosky Feb 21, 2019

This week I interview Dom Swentosky of the Troutbitten blog, which is one of my favorites because I like the way he thinks about fishing problems and solutions. We titled it “Old School Streamer Fishing” and that’s how it starts, but Dom also discusses an innovative way of fishing streamers on mono, on a tight line, similar to the way a lot of people fish nymphs today. So in my view it’s a mix of old and new techniques. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: What kind of sinking line do I need for walleyes in 10 feet of water? What is the best way to organize fly-tying material? Do you have a good way of testing streamer patterns during the winter when you can’t fish them? Does it matter what kind of material I use for wings on bonefish flies? How do I modify my knotless leader? Do you have any suggestions for fishing beaver ponds? What suggestions do you have for swinging steelhead flies when the water depth varies greatly? How can I fish leech imitations in a river that is 15 to 30 feet deep for walleyes? What is the best way to fish an incoming tide for stripers? How should I target sharks on the fly? How do I catch carp in a deep muddy lake where they don’t come into the shallows except to spawn?

The Fascinating Guadalupe Bass, with Alvin Dedeaux Feb 16, 2019

This week’s podcast is about a relatively rare but also easily accessible fly-rod fish—the Guadalupe bass. I was lucky enough to get Alvin Dedeaux of All Water Guides to talk about these interesting members of the bass/sunfish family. They sound like the perfect fly-rod target, available year-round in central Texas. They are a native species, they eat a lot of small prey, they fight well, and they are readily accessible on smaller rivers on public water. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: What setup do I need for fishing from shore in southern California salt water? Will my 8-weight Encounter rod work? What is fishing in Cuba like? How do I keep from foul-hooking steelhead? How do I play one or should I break it off? And is it ethical to take a photo of a foul-hooked fish? Why don’t more anglers use nets on smaller trout? What tips would you give a younger Tom if you could go back and give yourself advice? Should I use fluorocarbon leaders on small mountain streams? How should I clean my Ultralight Waders? Can you recommend one or two all-around adhesives for fly tying, for someone on a budget? What material is best for tails on parachute flies? Do you wrap shiny-side-up or shiny-side-down on parachute hackles? For bass, panfish, pike, stripers, and bigger trout water, should I buy a 6-weight or 8-weight fiberglass rod? What do I do to emergers to get them to float just in the surface film?

The Seven Deadly Sins of Streamer Fishing, with Josh Nugent Feb 08, 2019

Our friend and Orvis-endorsed guide Josh Nugent of Out Fly Fishing Outfitters in Calgary was in town last week, and I grabbed him to do a podcast. Josh did one a few years ago with me entitled “The Seven Deadly Sins of Sight Fishing” and it was really popular, so we decided to do “The Seven Deadly Sins of Streamer Fishing”. If you think streamer fishing is just chucking a big piece of meat out there and stripping back, Josh has some revelations for you. Revelations based on thousands of hours on the water. In the Fly Box this week, lots of interesting questions and suggestions: What do you see as the biggest revolutions in fly fishing technology and the biggest flops? Is there a difference between dry fly and nymph dubbing? If trout are sensitive to cold temperatures why do we catch them ice fishing? Why are fly rods always made in 6-inch increments? How do I substitute hooks when a tier on YouTube mentions a specific model? If I am fishing a tandem streamer in a place where only single hooks are allowed, which one do I cut off? Why do trout jump out of the water? Is a digital thermometer better for fishing than an analog design? Which hackles should I buy for dry flies or wet flies? Which YouTube Channel do you recommend for reliable fly patterns? Do boots without felt really decrease the possibility of spreading invasive species? How do I get the perfect consistency with head cement? Do I need a stripping basket when using my switch rod? Why did you make H3 rods with that ugly white label? A great suggestion from a listener on buying lunch for your guide (this is often required when fishing in salt water) What 10-20 flies should I tie next after going through all the flies in the kit?

All About Floating Lines, with Josh Jenkins Jan 31, 2019

This week I interview Josh Jenkins, Research and Development manager for Scientific Anglers, and who, along with his crew, is responsible for all the cool new technology in fly lines. Floating lines are confusing because there are so many options, so Josh explains how they are made, why coatings and cores determine what kind of water they’re used in, and how tapers affect the performance of fly lines. Are double taper and weight forward lines the same for the first 30 feet? Is there any difference between a saltwater and freshwater line, or between a cold water and warm water line? These are questions I get asked all the time in the podcast, so I figured I would go to the ultimate expert to answer them. In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of intriguing questions, including: Why can’t I make my furled leader perform? Is my tippet too long or too short? What is Tom’s job? Does he get to fish at all? How do I set my drag for trout fishing? Can Spey casting be used in lakes? How should I target rainbows in the fall? Is that when they spawn? At what temperatures do bass become active enough to catch on a fly rod? Can I get some tips on making my golden pheasant crests behave? Is it worth it to prospect with a small dry fly in winter? Are there small trout streams that are just impossible to fish with a fly? What are the pros and cons of using a sink tip line instead of a poly leader? Can you help me decide between a 4-weight or 5-weight rod? Do you have any tips for when a head cement jar won’t open? What kind of watercraft should I buy for New England rivers? What is color preserver? Do you have any tips for tying the tails on an RS2? How do I organize all the fly fishing information I encounter? Can bigger trout be caught on soft hackles?

An Interview with Tom Rosenbauer (kinda) Jan 22, 2019

Long-time listener Dan Frasier put together this mock interview with Tom and we just had to share it. While there is no offensive language, if you have small children present, or are easily offended, you may want to skip this one. Thanks, Dan!

How to be a Great Fishing-Guide Client, with Simon Perkins Jan 18, 2019

There’s lots of discussion about what makes a good guide and why some are better than others for a whole host of reasons. But the guide/angler connection is truly a team effort, and to get the most out of a guide trip there are things a client can do to get more out of the experience and have a more enjoyable and educational trip. Simon Perkins, Orvis COO, was a fishing guide before he hung up his oars for an office job. He shares his experiences, good and bad, and suggests ways we can be better clients. He also shares a few stories about his best and worst days of being a guide and a client. A couple are quite colorful and I think you’ll enjoy them. In the Fly Box this week we have the following questions: How can I roll cast big streamers? How do I fish streamers in small brook trout streams? What is the best tool for measuring water temperature and how cold does water have to be before trout stop feeding? Where is that new Clearwater Euro nymphing rod? Can I use my 5-weight rod for surf fishing in the ocean? Are wool fingerless gloves any good? Is 20-lb fluorocarbon too light for the butt section of a leader? What are gut leaders? Is a UV light essential for fly tying? Is roll casting more difficult with a shorter rod? My wife and I fished some big articulated streamers and had no luck. What were we doing wrong? I have a pile of old flies. How do I identify what they are?

Landlocked Salmon, with Jeff LeBree Dec 28, 2018

A number of listeners have been asking for a show about landlocked Atlantic salmon, and for that I can think of no one better than a native Mainer. Jeff LeBree has been fishing for landlocked salmon is his native state for over 50 years, and for 17 of those years has been a guide at Orvis-endorsed Libby Camps. He shares his knowledge about when to go to Maine for landlocks, how to fish for them, where in the river to look for them, and of course what flies to use. Jeff is quite a character and we have a lot of laughs. I hope you enjoy his downeast humor. In the Fly Box this week, we cover the following questions: Is it necessary to use a strike indicator when winter nymphing? My soft hackles don’t distribute around the hook well and stay on top. What should I do? Can you give me some advice on making hook substitutions for fly patterns? How does George Daniel add a dropper with the Orvis knot without running the flies through the loop? Can I use tandem fliy rigs for bass fishing? If you say that flies can last 50 years, why do you tell me to throw away my thread after two or three years? What rod should I buy for Euro nymphing? I can’t afford the Helios 3. How do people carry fly rods onto a plane?

The Hunt for Giant Trout, with Landon Mayer Dec 21, 2018

My interview this week is with the highly respected angler, writer, and guide Landon Mayer of Colorado. He has a new book out this week—The Hunt for Giant Trout and that’s exactly what we talk about—times, places, and flies for taking the largest trout in a river. We talk a lot about the various food preferred by the larger trout in a body of water—how to identify them and how to select flies and techniques to imitate them. As usual Landon is bursting with great ideas for you to try on your next fishing trip. In the Fly Box this week we cover the following questions: Tips for catching sheepshead on a fly Is my bonefish tackle OK for stripers on Long Island? A tip for practicing strip-setting that incorporates a willing cat When to use poly leaders Can I use and indicator when fishing small BWO dry flies? What are the advantages of using shanks over beading wire for tying articulated flies? A tip for carrying tippet rings on a snap swivel instead of a safety pin Is the Orvis Spey Line a Skagit line? How to fish streamers in tight quarters How to catch shallow water stripers in a Tennessee river at night Can I keep my fishing gear in a cold garage all winter? Will keeping my rods strung up hurt my leader? Which end of a surgeon’s knot should I use for the dropper, and should I take two or three turns? Should I get a starter rod or go right to the best rod I can afford?

Picking and Fishing, with Chris Pandolfi of The Infamous Stringdusters. Dec 07, 2018

This week we talk fly fishing with Chris Pandolfi, vocalist and banjo player for The Infamous Stringdusters, a multiple award-winning bluegrass band (including the 2018 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, “The Laws of Gravity”). Chris tells us what it’s like trying to fit in fly fishing while on the road, how the band supports Trout Unlimited, how fishing has influenced his music, and offers some great fly-fishing tips for novices. Speaking of tips, in the Fly Box this week we have the following questions: What are some tips for winter tailwater fishing in the Northeast? What can I do when the bass don’t bite? How do I catch suckers on a fly? Can I use my 6-weight for carp? What do you do when you’re rowing and someone hooks a fish? How do I find information on small streams in my area? How do I move on from tying big streamers to smaller trout patterns? Is there a good way to practice setting the hook? What is a good place to visit to fish small trout streams in the winter? How much information can I ask my local fly shop for, without being a pest? Why are fly rods today so stiff? What is the best way to fish nymphs in water ranging from one foot to ten feet deep while floating? What is the best way to practice casting when I have a variety of rods?

The Fiberglass Manifesto, with Cam Mortenson Dec 01, 2018

This week I have an interesting chat with Cameron Mortenson, the man behind the wildly popular blog The Fiberglass Manifesto. Learn how he got started, what he does for his day job, and of course his thoughts on the state of the fiberglass fly rod world today. And of course we talk about why someone would even want a glass rod and what advantages they offer. In The Fly Box this week, we explore the following: A great tip for keeping your hands warm for cold-weather fishing A great tip for relieving neck and upper back pain while fishing Can I fix a broken Poly Leader? How do I remove the smell from flies I have coated with UV-cure epoxy? What switch rod is best for stripers? Has the Koi Foundation been established yet? And if I want to practice for koi fishing, can I try for the goldfish in my backyard pond? How to lessen foul hooking trout when fishing a nymph with a dropper. Will long stretches of straight, shallow water be devoid of trout in small streams? Can I use a poly leader for nymph fishing? And can I use split shot instead of a poly leader for streamer fishing? What does “turning over the fly” mean? Can I tightline for steelhead using my 10-foot 7-weight rod? What is the most versatile sinking line to get if I only have a floating line now?

The World of Competitive Fly-Fishing, with Jesse Haller Nov 08, 2018

How do people compete in fly fishing contests? How are they scored? How do the teams work? Where are the competitions held? Most of us don’t have any interest in competing in fly fishing—some of you probably hate the idea—but this discipline has stimulated some great ideas in fly fishing and has led to the interchange of ideas throughout the world. There’s no money involved, just lots of camaraderie, and competitive fly fishing does not hurt the resource or even get in the way of our enjoyment of trout waters except for a few hours a year on a particular stream or lake. I think you’ll be fascinated by the inner workings of this unusual competition. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: Why can I land smaller fish but not land the bigger ones when tightline nymphing? How much can I remove from the tip of my fly line without hurting its performance? How are most trout waters stocked? Why didn’t I catch any fish on a recently stocked river? Where do small stream brook trout go during the winter? Will wearing the required blaze orange clothing during hunting season ruin my trout fishing? Do you think fish can see the post on parachute flies? Why don’t my Klinkhammer flies always float upright? How do I keep my neck and shoulders from hurting when I am fishing all day? Can I strip streamers for Lake Erie steelhead? Do bright headlamps spook largemouth bass? How can I minimize tangles in my net when fishing multi-fly rigs? How can I fish my Depth Charge line to minimize snagging on the bottom? Can I use my old Orvis Impregnated Bamboo rod for trout fishing? Can I tie 6X tippet to a tippet ring? Mine keeps breaking.

Fishing the Texas Coast for Redfish and Trout, with Dave Hayward Nov 01, 2018

This week I talk to someone I have wanted to interview for a long time, and a subject that is long overdue—fly fishing the Texas Coast for redfish and speckled trout. Dave Hayward, manager of Swan Point Landing Fly Shop, was in a past life an Orvis store manager in Houston for many years and also an Orvis sales rep. He’s been running Swan Point for 10 years now, and is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable authorities on fly fishing the Texas Coast. In this podcast you’ll learn about how the fishery changes with the season, what tackle you need, fly patterns to choose, and how to approach these fish. Dave is honest about the increased pressure in his fishery, but also shares some spots that get off the beaten patch. It’s also exciting to hear about the developing tarpon and snook fisheries along the Texas Coast. In the Fly Box this week we have our usual smorgasbord of topics, including: Tips on re-using tippet bands for identifying fly lines on spare spools How do I put a new leader on my fly line? Is it a good idea to practice on suckers before I go trout fishing? Is there any risk when carrying a fully assembled fly rod in your vehicle? Is it worth it to try to target lake trout during the summer when they are deep? Will the loud clicker on my reel scare trout? Why does my fly get caught on my forward cast? How do I reverse my fishing slump? Is trolling an acceptable way to fish a fly in salt water? How do I get more distance when casting in the surf? I am 6’6” tall and my Mom is 5’ tall. Can we use the same rod and casting stroke? Are saltwater wading boots worth the price?

Stream Access Now! With Rob Parkins Oct 04, 2018

Stream Access Now! This is the title of a very useful guide produced by Back Country Hunters and Anglers (available on their web site or on the Orvis Learning Center) that gives you the stream access laws for all 50 states, plus some fascinating essays on the varying ways states treat stream access. It’s also the title of this week’s podcast with Rob Parkins, Public Waters Access Coordinator for BCHA. Rob details how laws vary from state to state, how you can find access points, and dos and don’ts of fishing on both public and private lands. It’s essential knowledge for the traveling angler, particularly if you don’t fish with a guide and are unsure of the legality of entering a stream in a state where you have not fished before. In the Fly Box this week, we have the usual mix of great questions and suggestions from listeners: If my fly comes back with empty caddis cases on the hook, does that mean the caddis hatches are over and I should not fish a caddis? Are sea-run Pacific steelhead any more delicate than Great Lakes steelhead? If I harvest a deer, should I try to use any of the hide for fly tying, and how do I deal with it? Is it OK to fish a click-and-pawl reel for smallmouth bass, and does reel “balance” matter? Why don’t people fish much with winged wet flies anymore? How do I keep my Double Bunny Rabbit strips from getting stiff? How can I see my dry fly when looking into strong glare? What is the best camera for capturing the brilliant colors of fish?

Your FAQ's Answered, with Jeremy Benn of Orvis Tech Support Sep 26, 2018

Your FAQs answered! This week I interview my old friend Jeremy Benn, longtime Orvis employee and head of our Outfitter Team in Roanoke , Virginia. These are the wonderful people who answer all your tackle questions via e-mail, telephone, and live chat. There are certain questions they get (and I get on podcast requests) over and over again, including: What rod do I need for….? Can I use the same fly rod outfit for … and >>>? Do I really get something more when I buy a more expensive rod? How much backing do I need? What leader do I need for …? I am going to …. What flies do I need? What is the best knot? In the Fly Box this week, here is a sample of the kinds of questions I try to answer: How do I become a fishing guide? When do I fish upstream and when do I fish downstream? Why do you put barrel swivels on your braided leaders? (We don’t.) How do you avoid breaking your rod when getting flies out of trees? What will be the effects of the recent hurricane on trout and saltwater fishing in North Carolina? How often do you fish parachutes and Sparkle Duns as opposed to traditional dry flies? How long can you keep a trout in a net if it has cool running water in the net? Can I use my switch rod for schoolie stripers? What flies should I use for landlocked Atlantic salmon? How do I target cruising salmon and steelhead on the Chicago shoreline? What happened to the Orvis app? Why can’t I catch trout in tailwaters on streamers from my canoe? Plus two great fly-tying tips from a listener.

Science-Based Tips for Proper Catch and Release, with Sascha Danylchuk Sep 13, 2018

My guest this week is Sascha Clark Danylchuk, science advisor for KeepEmWet.org. Sascha is an angler and a scientist who has studied the effects of various catch-and-release techniques and has also kept up with the scientific literature on the subject. There is a lot of false and misleading information on the interweb regarding catch-and-release and she sets us straight on a number of topics. I thought I was well-versed on this subject but I learned a lot, and will modify my own practices in the future based on our talk. In the Fly Box, we have the usual mashup of topics, including the following: Two inexpensive ways of making wet-wading shoes suggested by listeners Will a good mender outfish a good caster? Do nymphs work in high mountain lakes? What is a good sink-tip option for a 4-weight rod on small streams? How to catch trout in very deep plunge pools at the base of a waterfall. How do I get sand out of my ferrules? Is it ethical to catch a bunch of big trout by nymphing at night on a full moon? Why do trout keep splashing at my Chubby Chernobyl? Should I spend the same amount of money on a trout reel as I spend on my rod? A great tip for keeping the hair on an Elk Hair Caddis from slipping around the hook. How can I catch the big brown trout in a small infertile stream in Oregon?

Late Season Smallmouths, with Mike Schultz Sep 07, 2018

Do you stop fishing for smallmouth bass when summer ends? You could be missing the best bass fishing of the year and the chance at your biggest smallmouth if you do. Mike Schultz of Shultz Outfitters in Michigan is one of our foremost experts on smallmouths (and the designer of some of our most popular flies) and this week he shares a wealth of knowledge on how to modify your tactics to continue to catch smallmouth bass on the fly rod well into winter. This is a topic that no smallmouth lover wants to miss. In the Fly Box this week, we have a number of reactions to last week’s discussion with Steve Rinella, the Meat Eater, as well as questions on these topics: Can I put a 3-weight or a 7-weight line on a size 5/6 reel? How do I store poppers with weed guards? Do you have some suggestions for catching catfish on a fly? How do I attach a wire bite guard to my leader? How do I find wild trout in a small, clear stream with sandy bottom that does not have a high fish population? Do fly tying materials go bad with age? How should I store my hackle capes and deer hair? Do you have tips for catching lake-run brown trout? Can I use a switch rod in Belize? Do you have a suggestion for a pair of cheap wet-wading shoes? When do you recommend catch and release and when do you recommend keeping fish? How can I get the elk hair on my caddis flies to keep from rolling around the hook shank?

When you Catch and Keep, with The MeatEater, Steven Rinella Aug 29, 2018

This week I have a fun discussion with Steve Rinella of the “Meat Eater” podcast and TV show and book. If you’re a diehard catch-and-release always angler you may want to pass this one up. But if you occasionally kill fish and want to honor fish with proper care and preparation, you’ll find some very helpful advice. And some interesting side discussions along the way. In The Fly Box this week, we have the usual array of questions about tackle, techniques, and fly-fishing philosophy. Including: Can I get one rod for pike, carp, musky, and Pacific salmon? What lines and leaders do I need for surf fishing? Can I have permission to use my stripping basket on trout streams? What flies will I need in Hawaii, and can you recommend a guide? Will dry flies work in the rain? How do I carry a net on my sling bag? What sunglasses do you recommend? Why do I keep missing strikes from smallmouths on a popper? Should I use a stinger hook? How do I get trout to come out from undercut banks to take my fly? Does smoky air from forest fires change the way insects hatch?

Late Summer Terrestrials, with Jenny Mayrell-Woodruff Aug 14, 2018

This week I have the pleasure of interviewing Jenny Mayrell-Woodruff—the Orvis-endorsed Freshwater Guide of the Year for 2018. Jenny has recently relocated to Montana to run a lodge on Rock Creek and she took time out of her very busy schedule to share her knowledge of late summer terrestrial fishing. It’s an educational podcast and a timely one. In the Fly Box this week we explore a wide range of topics, as usual: How to transition from small trout streams to big rivers Why do I keep missing fish when fishing mouse patterns at night? Can I use perfection loops in the middle of my leader to add droppers? What is the best way to touch up the blades of nippers? How do I make my fly attract trout by its entry into the water? What happens to Tricos when nighttime air temperatures don’t go below 70 degrees? Do tippet rings wear out? Can I use my Clearwater line for trout fishing? Do you measure the cast length from your body or from the rod tip? How do you prospect for trout in long, slow pools? What do you do if a big trout runs downstream and the water is too deep to wade below it?

Fly-fishing with your family, with Derek Olthuis Jul 27, 2018

Fly-Fishing with your family, with Derek Olthuis This week Orvis Ambassador Derek Olthuis and I talk about fishing with your kids and family. Derek has three young children and he fishes as much as anyone I know, so he has some great tips on how to make it a fun and rewarding experience for all members of the family. If you’ve wanted to introduce kids to fly fishing you’ll get some great advice from this podcast. In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and comments, including What do I do with saltwater flies after I’ve used them? How do companies that sell fly patterns evaluate new ones? How do I keep annoying sea grass off my fly and leader? Should I feel guilty about hooking tarpon that were chilling in a marina behind a boat? Should I worry about keeping my fishing gear in a hot car? How do I quickly tell if a stream has a rich food supply or if it is more infertile? Can I use this to adjust my fishing techniques? What do I do if a trout tries to eat my strike indicator? How long should removable studs last? Why could I not catch smallmouths that were chasing baitfish? Why don’t more anglers use soft-hackle flies? How long should I rest a pool before trying a new fly pattern? What’s an easy way to identify mayflies and caddisflies in the air?

Now or Neverglades, a project update with Eric Eikenberg Jul 11, 2018

In this week’s podcast my guest is Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation and our major partner in this important conservation effort. For the past few years Orvis has taken a leading role in the effort to get the word out to the fly-fishing community about this critical issue, which affects Florida Bay, both coasts of Florida, and of course the Everglades, which as a National Park is owned by all citizens of the United States. It’s an update on where we are for a solution to the issue, and you’ll be happy to know we are guardedly optimistic about the future. Also in the Fly Box week we have these question: Why do I keep losing small brook trout? How can I take the coils out of old leaders? Will my old Clearwater Reel be OK in salt water? Why don’t fly shops stop selling feathers from endangered birds? Do women wear sling bags? Does the pigtail at the end of a broken knot always indicate a poorly tied knot? Why don’t people use the oval or Belgian cast more often? Why do I keep losing big trout and steelhead when they get downstream of me? What do I do for a leader if I encounter both striped bass and bluefish?

Advanced Nymphing Techniques, with George Daniel Jul 06, 2018

If it does not go up until next week no big deal. This week my guest on the podcast is the great George Daniel, one of the finest anglers in the world and a wonderful teacher. George is also refreshingly un-dogmatic, and even though he is an expert on nymph fishing he does not stick to only one method, but uses all kinds of techniques depending on the conditions. There are scores of good tips in this podcast so if you enjoy nymph fishing don’t miss it. In the Fly Box this week, you’ll find answers (or at least my attempt to answer) questions about: How do I keep my reel from getting tangled at the end of the day? Is a fiberglass rod a disadvantage for distance and in the wind? Do you have some tips on fishing mayfly spinner falls? Can I catch carp when they are spawning? How do I make my Humpies more durable? Can I catch channel catfish on a fly rod? Can I fish a Gurgler on an intermediate line? Will textured fly lines hurt my rod guides? How can I land big fish by myself without high-sticking my rod?

Hunting for Permit, with Will Benson Jun 22, 2018

This week I have a chat with noted permit guide and film maker Captain Will Benson. We discuss the idea of an angler as athlete, and how he and some of his clients prepare for big permit tournaments, both mentally and physically. You may have no interest in fishing tournaments, but for some of your fishing trips you may have invested a lot of time, money, and emotional expectations. Will gives some great, and most unusual, ideas to make sure you get the most out of your trips. In the Fly Box this week, we cover the following questions from listeners: · Do trout ever get “information overload” during a heavy hatch? · What is a basic saltwater outfit for fishing the Gulf? · How do spring creek trout differ from stocked trout in tailwaters? · What aren’t all flies sold with barbless hooks? · What is the difference between a $15 spool of fluorocarbon tippet and a $10 200-yard spool of spinning line? · Will two-handed casting ruin my overhead casting technique? · Why do I miss fish when trolling for trout? · Can I fish lakes on a backpacking trip with a Tenkara rod? · What are sme good basic books on trout stream insects for New England?

Fathers and Mentors, with The Original Most Interesting Man in the World Jun 08, 2018

In this week’s podcast I interview a very interesting man. In fact, he is the original Most Interesting Man in the World, Jonathan Goldsmith, who is a lifelong fly fisher and not only an interesting guy, but a really nice person as well. He talks about the importance of tradition in fly fishing, his lifelong love affair with it, and most appropriately the importance of his father as his fly-fishing mentor. We’ll also catch up on what he has been doing since the beer company decided a younger man would be more interesting. (Big mistake) In the podcast this week, here are some of the questions and suggestions from listeners: A geeky way to splice old fly lines to make a special line for throwing bass flies on a 5-weight I make a couple suggestions on books to read How to deal with feathers you obtain from a shooting preserve Can I eat a trout that has whirling disease? Is a 10-weight rod enough for cobia and king mackerel? How to deal with tarpon guides who get upset when you blow a strike How to hold your fly and fly line in the “ready position” for saltwater fly fishing A suggestion for an all-around saltwater rod How to keep hopper patterns from turning upside-down in the water Suggestions for catching ultra-spooky trout in a small stream Can I use stocking foot waders on sandy beaches? How to fish a dry dropper when moving from deep pools to shallow riffles.

Montana's Smith River, with John Herzer and David Brooks May 31, 2018

This week’s main topic is the Smith River in Montana, a near-wilderness river that requires a five-day float and is on many fly fishers’ wish lists. It is definitely on mine. To talk about fishing and floating the Smith, and a threat to its pristine ecosystem, my guests are John Herzer, a veteran of many decades of floating the Smith, and David Brooks, executive director on Montana Trout Unlimited. In the Fly Box this week you can enjoy the following tips and questions: Why do I see carp jumping at the base of a dam like salmon on their spawning run? What is an economical way to explore new rivers without always hiring a guide? Can I use braided leaders for carp? How can I do better when setting the hook on quick-striking brook trout? What is the best way to attach a leader to a fly line if you don’t have a welded loop on the end? How can I catch smallmouths lying in eight feet of water next to a large boulder? A listener tip on how to use a polarizing filter on an Iphone (or similar smartphone).

Taking Great Fishing Photographs, with RA Beattie May 25, 2018

On this week’s podcast my guest is RA Beattie of Beattie Productions/Off the Grid Studios. You have no doubt seen some of his wonderful films, or perhaps you have enjoyed his latest venture—Fly Fishing films on Amazon Prime video. RA shares some tips on both video and still photography with us, and there are some good nuggets in there to help you move beyond the cliched grip & grin shots that have over-saturated social media. Warning—if you don’t understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO it might be worthwhile to do a little research before you listen to this one. In The Fly Box, lots of interesting tips and questions: Why do I keep losing bass when I play them? Should I get a 10-foot 3-weight or 4-weight rod? Can I throw big poppers with a 9-foot 5-weight rod? A warning about the legality of Tenkara rods in rivers designated “fly fishing only”. Are newer graphite rods better for tippet protection than older models? A tip from a listener on pike fishing as practice for saltwater fly fishing. When measuring sections for tying a knotted leader, are the specs for the section before or after you tie the knot? Why do largemouth bass sometimes sniff my fly but don’t attack it aggressively? What is a good recommendation for an inflatable kayak? How do I avoid creek chubs when trout fishing? What is a good starter outfit for northeast saltwater fly fishing? How much better are rubber soles with metal studs? And should I worry about scratches they make on rocks? How do I read the water on ever-changing rivers like the Bighorn?

The Feather Thief, with Kirk Johnson Apr 29, 2018

I occasionally receive a fishing book that really strikes my fancy as being totally original, and last winter I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. Much more than a fishing book, it’s the story of a young Atlantic salmon fly tier who stole priceless bird skins from a British museum and then used them for his own tying and sold them on the internet. Kirk researched the story thoroughly and even tried to trace some of the feathers that were purchased to get them back to the museum. The book truly reads like a whodunnit and I found it fascinating reading. To use a well-worn cliché I literally could not put it down. Some of you fly tiers may be not agree with the stance he takes on tiers obsessing over rare and unusual materials so I think it may create some lively discussions. Regardless, I think you’ll find our discussion fascinating. In the Fly Box this week, we get into more conventional and non-controversial questions, such as these: Why do two dry flies work better than one? How do you fish a Sneaky Pete for smallmouths in fast water? What size and color Woolly Bugger is best? What does the Woolly Bugger imitate? What color polarized sunglasses are best and what are some good brands? Why can I land 18-inch fish but not the ones that are over 24 inches? Are grayling selective? Is it normal to tie a Clouser Minnow with a red head? Is it normal to reel all of your line in before playing a fish? Why am I not catching bigger brook trout on streamers?

The Feather Thief, with Kirk Johnson Apr 29, 2018

I occasionally receive a fishing book that really strikes my fancy as being totally original, and last winter I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. Much more than a fishing book, it’s the story of a young Atlantic salmon fly tier who stole priceless bird skins from a British museum and then used them for his own tying and sold them on the internet. Kirk researched the story thoroughly and even tried to trace some of the feathers that were purchased to get them back to the museum. The book truly reads like a whodunnit and I found it fascinating reading. To use a well-worn cliché I literally could not put it down. Some of you fly tiers may be not agree with the stance he takes on tiers obsessing over rare and unusual materials so I think it may create some lively discussions. Regardless, I think you’ll find our discussion fascinating. In the Fly Box this week, we get into more conventional and non-controversial questions, such as these: Why do two dry flies work better than one? How do you fish a Sneaky Pete for smallmouths in fast water? What size and color Woolly Bugger is best? What does the Woolly Bugger imitate? What color polarized sunglasses are best and what are some good brands? Why can I land 18-inch fish but not the ones that are over 24 inches? Are grayling selective? Is it normal to tie a Clouser Minnow with a red head? Is it normal to reel all of your line in before playing a fish? Why am I not catching bigger brook trout on streamers?

The Art of Spotting Trout, with Amelia Jensen Apr 22, 2018

This week I have a chat with Amelia Jensen, perhaps the best trout-spotter I have ever seen. I have always thought I was pretty god at seeing trout in the water, but Amelia can see fish I would never have spotted. Learn some of her secrets in this week’s podcast—you’ll be surprised at how often you can spot trout if you know what you’re looking for, even in fast, deep, or slightly off-colored water. In the Fly Box this week we have the following tips and questions: · A tip from a listener on how to carry long pre-rigged fly assemblies · A question about what fly to fish along with a streamer when swinging for spring trout · A question on tips for spotting bonefish · How should I fish the tails of pools? · A listener tip on how to keep your hands warm when fishing · Flashy vs. non-flashy nymphs and where to put them in your nymph rig · A question about why fish get picky after catching a bunch of them from the same run · Why do trout take dry flies when I don’t see any rising? · Tips for avoiding spawning rainbow redds

Lessons from the legendary Au Sable, with Josh Greenberg Apr 08, 2018

This week I have a chat with Josh Greenberg, owner of Gates Au Sable Lodge in Michigan. Josh talks about the ecology of his streams, which is unique and provides fascinating fishing for wild trout year round. Josh is a very perceptive and canny angler, and regardless of your interest in Michigan streams you’ll learn some great tips and some interesting thoughts. Josh is also an ardent conservationist, picking up the mantle from his mentor, the late Rusty Gates. After this week, I won’t have a podcast for two weeks because I will be off the grid

Fly-Fishing for Koi Apr 01, 2018

Today we do a deep dive on the newest trend in fly-fishing for koi, that elusive fish that many people think cannot be caught on a fly rod. Nothing could be further from the truth; although these fish are challenging targets on a fly rod, they are available in many places close to home. The most exciting part of this fishery is that you can fish for them anywhere you want. In the Fly Box this week I have an unusually interesting bunch of questions, including: · What is the single greatest trout stream in the United States? · What is the impact of the legalization of marijuana on fly fishing so far? · When you take a float trip in a drift boat or raft, how do you get back to your car? · What is that big pocket in the back of a fishing vest used for? · How to do the triple haul · If I only have 30 minutes to fish on a business trip, is it better to use a 9-weight or 12-weight when targeting permit? · Why don’t you teach shadow casting in your schools? · Can I make a fly out of food? · What are the best organic fishing spots in New England? · If I’ve got a great fishing spot on a crowded river and nature calls, what is the best way to take care of things and not lose my spot?

Fly-Fishing in High Mountain Lakes, with Bob Terwilliger Mar 29, 2018

This week’s podcast interview is all about fly-fishing high mountain lakes. My guest is Bob Terwilliger of Colorado Outfitters, who specializes in horseback fishing trips into some of the most remote wilderness areas in the lower 48. Fishing high mountain lakes has its own special techniques and philosophies—although here it is as much about the scenery and the trip as it is the fishing. If you enjoy getting away from the crowds and true wilderness fishing, this is a podcast you won’t want to miss. In the Fly Box this week, as usual a mixed bag of questions and comments from a wide range of topics. · Why you should get a fly-tying kit · Recommended lines for small stream fishing · Can I use the Bank Shot line for fishing midges? · What is the best fly rod for bass, pike, and the occasional trip to the Florida Keys? · When using tiny nymphs, should I set the hook keeping my fingers off the line and just use drag pressure from the reel? · What do I do if my head cement gets too thick? · How can I keep my ferrules from slipping? · Which is correct, the upstream reach cast or the downstream reach cast? · Is it worthwhile to fish midges once winter is over? · Why don’t all big trout have a hooked jaw, and what do various color and spot patterns in brown trout indicate?

An Excellent Introduction to Drift Boats, with Hilary Hutcheson Mar 15, 2018

I frequently get requests for a podcast about drift boats, and although I enjoy rowing one most people don’t let me row their boat unless they are really desperate. So I called on an expert, Montana guide Hilary Hutcheson, to get her advice on getting a boat, rowing a boat, and most importantly all the responsibilities that go with getting down the river safely and with courtesy. Even if you never row a boat yourself, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the skill set your guide employs every day. In the Fly Box this week, we get these questions and tips: · How can a color-blind fly fisher identify the flies in his box? · Why am I only getting fish on my lower egg pattern in a two-fly rig? · A great suggestion on dealing with tippet rings · What kind of crab patterns do I need for striped bass? · What flies should I use for small stocked rainbows? · What are your thoughts on leader degreasers? · A suggestion on training as a whitewater guide prior to becoming a fishing guide · Why do black bucktails and marabou stain my hands? · What are some tips on purposely dumping your back cast? · What is the difference between a clear and a solid blue intermediate fly line? · Can I make a dubbing loop with monofilament tying thread?

Panfish on the Fly, with Bart Lombardo Mar 09, 2018

Panfish are the way many of us relieve the frustration of snotty trout, spooky carp, or saltwater fish that can't be reached because of bad weather. They're always on the prowl for a snack and seldom very fussy. But you do need to know where to find them, and for the larger specimens a little finesse is often in order. So this week I talk to Bart Lombardo, panfish aficionado and guru. We concentrate on the sunfish family. Although many smaller freshwater fish fit into the panfish category, sunfish are the most abundant and widely distributed. I think you find some great tips for maximizing your fun with these feisty little guys. In the Fly Box, here are some of the questions and tips we cover: Is there one rod I can use for both tightline (Euro) nymphing and dry flies? I found out why my knots were breaking on tippet rings! Rattles for redfish When you might want tapered leaders for bass What is the difference between freshwater and saltwater fly lines, and the difference between coldwater and warmwater lines? What lines do I need for coastal fishing in the Northeast? Do I need to take special care when wearing wading boots on my inflatable SUP? What do you eat to keep going during a full day of fishing? Can I imitate both Hendricksons and March Browns with one fly pattern? Can I use my 6-weight Clearwater rod for stocked trout? What does good carp water look like?

Becoming a Fishing Guide, with Mike Dawkins Mar 02, 2018

How do I become a guide? Should I get a job as a guide? How do I train to be a fishing guide? What skills do I need? I get these questions all the time on podcast requests, and because I have neither the skills nor the temperament to be a guide I asked our good friends at World Cast Anglers, specifically Mike Dawkins, to talk about the guiding life. They should know as they probably employ more fly-fishing guides than any other operation, and they have also been running a guide school for years. Listen to this week’s podcast about the pleasures and perils of being a fly-fishing guide. In the Fly Box this week, here are a few of the questions I try to answer: · How do I land giant alligator gar? · Where should I put my weight in relation to my tippet ring? · What are your top three suggestions for teaching someone to fish with a fly rod? · Should I get a weight forward or double taper fly line? · Can I use tightline nymphing techniques when fishing downstream? · How do I simplify and lighten up my gear when backpacking? · I get corrected—a listener has seen seen trout eat adult early black stoneflies and yellow sallies · How do I fish a long, clear, shallow stretch with no riffles without spooking fish? · Is it OK to put a perfection loop in my fly line? · Can I use a sinking poly leader when indicator fishing? · Why am I losing fish that I have hooked while fishing nymphs during the winter? · Why did I not catch fish while fishing nymphs during the winter?

Backcast Episode- Ten Tips on Better Line Control Feb 23, 2018

*** This is a Backcast Episode from May 21, 2010. It is fun to see how much the show's format has changed since then! Thanks for listening!***

Tom thinks even the best casters can sometimes use a little help when it comes to line control. In this podcast he gives his top ten tips for what to do once your line hits the water. Have a suggestion for the podcast? Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com.

Catching Largemouth Bass in Rivers, with Winston Cundiff Feb 16, 2018

When we think of largemouth bass, most of us either have a vision of a small farm pond or a big wide-open lake. But there are many excellent largemouth bass fisheries in rivers. And the advantage for a fly fisher is that these fish never get into a zone where they are tough to target with a fly rod because they are always in shallow water. Texas has a number of great largemouth rivers, and this week I pick the brain of Winston Cundiff of All Water Guides in Austin, Texas. He shares his techniques for catching these fish, the tackle he uses, and the fly patterns he favors. I think fly-rod bass anglers from around the country will get some solid tips on catching largemouths in moving water. In The Fly Box this week, we explore a number of interesting questions and suggestions: · How are fly hooks tempered, and does bending a small hook in your tying vise weaken it? · Should you approach spooky small-stream trout in still pools from upstream or downstream? · How to make a 4X leader into a 7X leader. · Why do I keep missing strikes when fishing streamers? · What are some tips for catching trout in rivers with high fishing pressure? · Can I fish a soft hackle as a dropper behind a dry fly? · How can plus-size anglers sneak up on trout? · What is a level line? · A tip from a listener on how to avoid pricking your finger on the hook when tying flies.

Fly-Fishing from a Kayak, with Damon Bungard Feb 09, 2018

I have gotten numerous requests on doing a podcast on fly fishing from a kayak and finally was able to corral my friend Damon Bungard of Jackson Kayaks, who has a broad experience fishing from kayaks all over the world, from tarpon flats to trout streams, and also designs kayaks. It’s a very detailed podcast, covering everything from picking the right craft to approaching fish to anchor systems to dealing with line handling to fighting and landing fish from a kayak. And lots of good stories in between. Fly fishers have different needs than conventional anglers when it comes to kayak fishing, so I am sure you will benefit from the wisdom of a true expert. Also in the Fly Box we cover questions on: · Whether you find the same hatches on different stretches of a river · Why a guide had an angler fight a fish with the rod in a vertical position · How far upstream to cast a nymph with an indicator, and how much to let it hang downstream · Will there be a kit to convert a Helios 3 D version to an F version (no, sorry they are totally different tapers) · Why are my knots breaking at the tippet ring but not when I attach it to a fly? · Are mop flies evil? · Why did I not have the same luck when I went back to the same trout stream a few weeks later? · For small flies, do I need to tie all sizes between 18 and 24? · Is a poly leader as good as a sink tip (to a blind horse?) · A seriously disappointing etiquette question (for which I don’t have a good answer) · Why aren’t jig style hooks used more often?

The Adventures of Fly-Fishing from a Stand Up Paddleboard, with Damon Newpher Feb 02, 2018

This week I interview Damon Newpher of Adventure Bound on the Fly, a guide service that specializes in fly fishing from all sorts of craft, including stand-up paddleboards. Damon uses his SUP to chase steelhead, bass, and even muskies in his western New York location, but has ranged as far away as Belize and the Yucatan with inflatable boards, and has even floated remote rivers and lakes in Chile from them. He advises us on why you would want one, what to look for, how to accessorize one, and how to navigate moving water. These craft offer great advantages because they can get into places no other craft can go, with more stealth than any other method. Plus you are up above the water so you can spot fish and subsurface structures easier. And of course an added benefit is that you’ll stay in great shape while you fish!

In this week’s Fly Box, we cover, as usual, an eclectic range of things:

· Why did my wife get skunked fishing a streamer while I was using two at once?

· How to evaluate a fly rod in a shop

· Pike fishing from shore

· How do I fish emerger flies?

· What is the perfect fly rod for tiny streams?

· Should I buy a 10-foot 4-weight or 5-weight for tightline nymphing?

· Are practice casting rods any good—other than just to torture cats? ·

And we have a new acronym, thanks to a listener: WINTER. Len from PA gives us great advice on how a fly fisher should spend the winter preparing for spring.

Bugs, Bugs Bugs, with Peter Stitcher Jan 25, 2018

This week I interview aquatic biologist and fly fisher Peter Stitcher, who not only has a great way of organizing fly boxes (a question I have always neglected to answer properly), he also has some great guidance on how to figure out what is in the river and how to pick a fly from your box that will do the best job of imitating that insect—without any detailed knowledge of entomology. If you learn his acronyms PAUSE and MATCH I am convinced you will have all the knowledge you need to be more successful. Listen to the podcast to learn what these acronyms mean. In The Fly Box, we have all sorts of great questions this week: · The difference between braided and furled leaders · How to Euro nymph rivers with spooky trout · Fishing a midge larva behind a streamer · The difference between “freshwater” and “saltwater” rods · How to transition from saltwater to freshwater fly fishing · Can I use my steelhead reel in salt water? · How to travel with a large net · Tricks for avoiding bulk when tying tiny flies · When to put a fighting trout on the reel · Tips for making very short roll casts · Using cat fur for dubbing · Decreasing hooking mortality on small brookies · How to avoid large cracks in fly lines

Tom and Tim's Annual Fly-Tying Spectacular Jan 19, 2018

This week’s podcast is my annual bull session with Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions. Instead of us picking a topic, we decided to ask listeners for questions. We both field questions on making a dubbing noodle out of short-fibered dubbing (along with a bunch of other tips on dubbing), choice of articulations for jointed flies, mono weed guards on bonefish flies, black vs. gold beads on nymphs, consistently reproducing patterns, proportions in cutting hair and fur, mixing dubbing to imitate specific insects, the differences between various types of natural dubbings, and discussions on what makes a “good” hackle feather. And of course we ramble a bit. But that’s what fly tiers do when they have an hour to kill. We went on so long that there’s no fly box this week. Just one long fly box, and all about tying.

Fighting Big Fish, with Conway Bowman Jan 13, 2018

After a long Christmas break, we’ve finally gotten back into a regular podcast schedule. This week our guest is Conway Bowman, known for his targeting of large mako sharks on a fly rod. But Conway also loves trout and tarpon fishing, so he gives us his tips on playing and landing large fish on a fly rod, whether it’s a 500-pound mako or a 22-inch trout. Conway is a great teacher and I am sure you will benefit from his tips. In the Fly Box this week, we have questions on taking an extra reel along, dressing for success and comfort in winter, making unweighted saltwater flies ride inverted in the water, factors that make a trout stream great, how to decide whether to go with weight-forward or double-taper lines, streamers in high altitude lakes, casting practice on snow, and a couple of discussions on tippet rings. I hope you enjoy the show

All About Snook, with Captain Dan Andrews Dec 08, 2017

This week’s podcast is all about snook. I have never done a full podcast just on snook fishing, but it is the most popular gamefish in Florida so I figured it was high time. I enlisted Captain Dan Andrews as a guest. Dan, besides being a lifelong snook chaser and guide, is also executive director of Captains for Clean Water, a great organization that Orvis strongly supports. In the Fly Box this week, we have questions on occasional risers, whether you can handle a 22-inch trout on a 10-foot, 3-weight Recon, smelly head cements, targeting walleyes on the fly, pulling trout out of deep, slow pools, casting weighted streamers on a 5-weight, and some tips for steelhead anglers on the Great Lakes. There is also a story on a most unusual animal that took an angler’s mouse fly—but I won’t spoil the surprise here.

How to catch tailwater trout all winter long, with Steve Galletta Nov 30, 2017

This week’s interview is with Steve Galletta of Bighorn Angler in Fort Smith, Montana. The Bighorn fishes well all winter long, and with Steve’s many seasons on the river he shares his tips on how to catch tailwater trout all winter long. Even if you don’t plan on fishing the Bighorn any time soon, Steve’s tips will give you valuable intel on how to fish your local tailwater. In The Fly Box, we have questions about the effects of fly flotants on knots, disappearing brook trout, releasing fish in fast water, using switch rods on lakes, why streamers work well in the fall, using UV resins for fly tying, fishing mouse patterns on lakes at night, keeping track of tippet rings, smells on carp flies, and how to apply techniques learned in one fishery to other species and places.

How Orvis Designs Fly Rods, with Shawn "Diddy" Combs Nov 18, 2017

This week we get a special peak behind the curtain about how fly rods are developed. How long does it take to design a fly rod? How many prototypes are built? How are they tested? How are materials selected? And where do the ideas come from? Shawn Combs takes us into the depths of the Orvis skunkworks and tells us a few secrets (and withholds just as many) about how his team of engineers and technicians develop Orvis fly rods—specifically the new Helios 3 series. In the Fly Box this week, we talk about fishing emergers subsurface, the perils of using the wrong super glue on casting cuts, how long to let a bass popper sit, water temperature guiidelines for trout, fly fishing for crappies, a tip on keeping the trailing hook of a tandem out of the way when tying, leader lengths for stocked trout ponds, species-specific leaders, correct water depth for setting indicators, and how to fish multiple-fly rigs when the flies are barbless.

Mousing for Trout, with Joe Cermele Oct 26, 2017

This week’s guest is Joe Cermele, fishing editor of Field & Stream magazine and the one-man-band behind the terrific web series “Hook Shots” (if you have not seen his videos they are always fun and offbeat). Joe is wild about fishing big flies for big fish—regardless of species. Our interview is about mousing for trout, a sorta-night-fishing, sorta-streamer-fishing technique that has become popular in recent years. But it’s not about fishing mouse flies for wilderness fish in Alaska or Kamchatka, it’s about fishing them in local, heavily fished rivers. Mousing is a great way to avoid the crowds and catch one of those big trout you seldom see during the day. As usual in The Fly Box we have a wide variety of topics: missing strikes on topwater bass flies, the difference between a desiccant and a flotant (again!), finding tailing carp, fishing streamers and high-stick nymphing in spring creeks, fishing bamboo rods for larger trout, tying with peacock eyes, questions on rod models, when to buy multiple reels as opposed to one reel and an extra spool, trout that disappear in early spring, correct depth for setting your indicator (there isn’t one), deciding which fly-tying tools to put most of your budget into—and finally what is that white rod Pete Kutzer uses for his casting videos?

What traveling fly-fishers often forget, with Jeremy Kehrein Oct 24, 2017

This week Jeremy Kehrein from Orvis Travel joined me to share his knowledge of travel planning and packing tips. Most people know how to plan travel (just call up our Travel Department!) and know how to pack a suitcase, so we focus on what travelers often forget—what questions do they forget to ask when calling a travel agent, guide, or lodge, and what do people often forget when packing for a fishing trip. Arriving in a remote destination without an essential doodad can, while not exactly spoiling a trip, make it less enjoyable. In the Fly Box this week there is an extremely helpful tip from a listener that can benefit every angler—of all ages and all genders. I won’t spoil the surprise by telling you want it is. There are also questions on building a 7X leader that won’t collapse, how to land very large trout on a 3-weight rod and 6X tippet, how often multiple anglers can fish a single riffle, a recommendation for a good book on small-stream trout fishing (guess what that is?), studded boots making noise in the water, how to imitate a Rooster Tail, how to catch snotty whitefish, and how to keep a foam fly floating all day long. There is also an excellent tip from a listener who is a personal trainer on the right exercises to prepare yourself for fishing.

Switch vs Spey, with Pete Kutzer Oct 14, 2017

I get repeated questions about switch vs. Spey: people interested in two-handed fly fishing but not sure which setup they need. Even though I think I have answered this question before, I thought it was time for a fresh look so I asked the incomparable Pete Kutzer, YouTube star and Orvis casting instructor, for his advice. Pete is a very serious two-handed angler and just got back from a couple steelhead rivers on the West Coast, so the topic was fresh in his mind. I hope it helps to answer some of your questions. In the Fly Box this week, questions are wide-ranging--casting accuracy, dropper flies tangling, flashing trout, Atlantic salmon guides, and trout short-striking streamers. Plus an interesting tip on what may be an interesting way of sharpening hooks.

Tips for finding Stripers, with Captain Aron Cascone Oct 09, 2017

This week I interview Captain Aron Cascone of Westerly, Rhode Island for his tips on finding stripers on foot along the New England Coast, and then choosing the right fly, the right tide, the right time of day, and the right retrieve. Aron is one of the fishiest guys I know and he’s spent a life on the water. I learned a number of good tips despite fishing for stripers with a fly rod for over 30 years—so I’m sure you’ll learn some good stuff as well. In the Fly Box this week we answer questions on fly reel choices, making a presentation so that the fly passes over the fish before the leader, suggested camera gear for fly anglers, how to keep cleats from coming out of your wading boots, and how to make a simple saltwater leader. Plus suggestions from listeners on lubricating knots with fly paste and how to carry a second rod to the river.

Mr. Hemkens goes to Washington Oct 06, 2017

This week’s podcast is an interview with Orvis VP Steve Hemkens about why he took a trip to Washington. The podcast may raise your hackles or it may give you hope for the future. You’ll have to listen to find out why he went to our nation’s capital and why someone responsible for the sale of fly-fishing products and responsible education in the outdoor world would want to meet with politicians. On a lighter note, the Fly Box this week covers a diverse group of questions, including targeting Texas redfish, repairing a severed fly line (hint—don’t), how to find a place to fish if you don’t know anyone, finding feeding trout in the weeds, the difference one tippet size makes, minimalist bass fishing, how to kill and clean trout, and how to a Get Drunk and Disorderly to stay under water (that sounds like cruel and unusual punishment). There is also a great suggestion from a listener on how to keep EP Fibers in line, and how to use the Fly Trap for storing dropper rigs.

12 Tips on Fishing Hatches That Might Surprise You Sep 28, 2017

This week, I take a break from interviews and do a podcast like we did in the old days by interviewing myself. It’s a shameless plug for my newest book, Hatch Strategies, published by Rizzoli/Universe. I call it Twelve Tips on Fishing Hatches That Might Surprise You. I’m sure that many of you agree with most of the tips, especially if you’ve spent any time chasing trout when they are feeding on insect hatches. But I am willing to bet there are a couple you may not have thought of, that run contrary to what you have heard in the past, or might even think that Rosenbauer guy is full of fish feces. If you don’t agree with me, I’d love to hear about it, which may produce some interesting podcasts in the future. In the Fly Box this week, I answer (or try to answer) how to fish small streams with a 9-foot rod, the use of tippet rings, how to avoid spending a fortune on hackle, what percent of the time you should be hooking fish that rise to your dry fly, whether to fish for steelhead in a river where they are threatened, the use of scents on flies, how to avoid foul-hooking trout, the use of loop knots in trout fishing, and delicate dry-fly presentations at short distances. There are also a couple of great letters from listeners with comments—one on angling ethics and another on how to move from trout fishing to saltwater fly fishing on the West Coast.

Lots of LIstener Questions and a Conservation Update from Trout Unlimited's Chris Wood Sep 07, 2017

This week Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited, visited us in Vermont and we got to pull him aside for a great podcast (and take him fishing for brook trout). Chris is a master at distilling complicated environmental issues down to their essence in the way anglers can understand them, and he enlightens us on some current issues like Pebble Mine, the Clean Water Rule, and western water laws. And it’s not all bad news!

In the Fly Box, questions range from requests to have me MC a rehearsal dinner for a wedding (not gonna happen) to switching from trout to other species to getting another season out of a pair of waders. Plus questions on Village Idiots and herons and redfish and fishing diaries. Plus a couple of cool tips from listeners on fly tying.

Tactics for Large Brown Trout Fishing in the Fall, with Noah Parker Aug 31, 2017

This week we have a timely podcast—fishing for large brown trout in the fall. Noah Parker from Land of Enchantment Guides in New Mexico tells us how they fish for large browns in the fall, and they use some techniques in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado that are different from what most of you probably do. In the Fly Box, questions come up on catching fussy trout in small streams, gel-spun backing, swinging nymphs, fishing 4 people at once, what the Copper John imitates, and some great fly-tying tips from listeners.

Backcast Episode: Advanced Fly-Fishing Techniques for Smallmouth Bass Aug 18, 2017

***This is a Backcast Episode from March of 2014. Tom will be back from vacation with new episodes soon!*** This week we have what I feel is one of our best podcasts ever—an interview with Colby Trow of Mossy Creek Fly Shop on his advanced tactics for catching smallmouth bass. I learned a ton in this podcast and it makes me want to head south to chase some right now. And in this extra-long podcast there are plenty of fly box questions: Using a stomach pump on trout, how to keep your indicator from sliding, whether bright silver and gold beads are a thing of the past, how to find secondary feathers on a goose wing, and good substitutes for deer hair on a Comparadun wing.

Video Tip How to Make an Aerial Mend, with Pete Kutzer Aug 09, 2017

Tom is on vacation this week so we are bringing you a video this week. Want more videos? Let us know at podcast@orvis.com.

Welcome to another installment of “Ask an Orvis Fly-Fishing Instructor,” with me, Peter Kutzer. In this episode, I demonstrate how to make aerial mends in your line, creating an upstream or downstream mend before your line touches down on the water. This is a great technique for when you’re casting across varying currents, and it will help you achieve better and longer dead drifts. By making the mend during the cast, you avoid having to break the surface tension to move the line, as you would with a traditional mend.

An aerial mend is quite easy to make, but there are two parts that will require some practice: the size of the mend and where it occurs along the line. By simply drawing a “C” or a “D” with the rod tip, you can create the belly required for a mend. The size of the letter you draw determines the size of the mend. How long you wait after the rod stops on the forward cast determines where that mend will occur. If you want it to be far out near the tip of the line, draw the letter right after the rod stops. To make a mend closer to you, wait a bit before drawing the letter.

With a little practice, you’ll get a feel for both the size and the location of the mend. Good luck!

Guiding for Permit, with Captain Will Benson Jul 27, 2017

OK, get ready for this—it’s a long one! I figured since I had not done a podcast in a couple weeks I would give you your money’s worth, and this podcast includes a long interview with Will Benson, noted permit guide and film maker. As you’ll hear, Will has strong passions for many things—permit, guiding, people, and the environment—and I had trouble cutting this one off. But it was a fun and educational interview, and very inspiring for me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. And furthermore, it’s a longer Fly Box than usual, with questions on finding a guide school, big fish getting off the hook, Clouser Minnows riding sideways, catching big stripers form shore, remembering Mel Krieger, catching carp in North Dakota, a recommended outfit for Atlantic salmon on the Gaspe peninsula, fishing caddis egg-laying events, and where and how to go fly fishing in the Greek Islands (spoiler—I have no idea).

Mastering the Hatch from a Boat with Joe Demalderis Jun 30, 2017

This week I have an interview with an old friend, Joe Demalderis, of Cross Current guide service in the Catskills. Joe knows the Delaware system about as well as any human, and has a common-sense approach to fishing hatches that I love. We talk about how to fish hatches from a drift boat or other craft, which at times can be more difficult than fishing hatches while wading, but at other times can reach fish in water that is too deep of otherwise inaccessible to the wader. In the Fly Box, we range from questions on getting droppers ready before you go fishing, caddis pupa tactics, fish rising to tippet rings, brook trout on streamers, the effect of heat on tippet material, shirt colors on trout streams, and suggested bonefish books.

Proper Fly Presentation to Tarpon and other Species with Dave Mangum Jun 22, 2017

My guest this week is guide David Mangum, renowned tarpon guide, filmmaker, still photographer, fly tier—and well the guy is just incredibly talented. In the interview he gives us some fascinating tips on presenting a fly to tarpon, and you may be surprised at what this seasoned guide recommends. He also gives tips on presenting the fly to other species—no surprise that accuracy, not distance or power, is the most important factor. And prior to the interview, in the podcast we answer questions on why you don’t need to change leaders every time you hit a different water type, handicapping fly anglers, sunken hoppers, fishing a new landlocked salmon fishery, nymphing for bass, playing fish on Euro-style nymphing rod, setting the hook on the wet fly swing, diversity in fly fishing, stinky hackle, and attaching backing to fly line.

Josh Nugent's Seven Deadly Sins of Sight-Fishing Jun 15, 2017

This week I have a more-or-less black diamond podcast with Josh Nugent of Out Fly Fishing Outfitters in Calgary. With the peak of hatches upon us, now is the time to tune up your sight-fishing game, and Josh provides with some meaty tips (As well as The Seven Deadly Sins). In the Fly Box, I have a couple listener follow-ups on questions from other listeners. One is on freshwater drum from James at the Orvis store in Royal Oak outside of Detroit. The other is from gentleman in Canada who relates his experience with using loop knots on dry flies (hint—don’t). And I answer some questions on obtaining feathers for tying soft hackles, best boxes for large bass flies, how to rig for tightline nymphing, leaders for smallmouths, and whether a graphite rod can fatigue after a day catching more than 10 carp from 10 to 20 pounds in weight (no one is feeling sorry for that guy).

Accuracy in fishing for redfish and other flats species with Lucas Bissett Jun 09, 2017

I don’t know why redfish have the reputation of being easy to catch. Every one I have ever cast to was spooky and suspicious. I’ve also found that when casting to redfish, especially in the fascinating times when they’re tailing in shallow water, accuracy is key. And I don’t mean in the general area. You need to place the fly in exactly the right spot based on which direction the fish is facing. Want to find out more about gaining accuracy on redfish? You’ll have to listen to this week’s podcast, where I interview Orvis Saltwater Guide of the Year Lucas Bissett of Slidell, Louisiana. In the Fly Box this week, I try to answer questions on tides and currents in salt water, color of leader material, an old fly dressing formula, the Hopper Twitch, feather clippings, and how to reconcile the feeling of getting skunked (my wife and fishing buddies will tell you I don’t do this well).

Tom Interviews legendary author John Gierach May 26, 2017

In this week’s podcast I have the pleasure of chatting with John Gierach, probably the most popular fly-fishing writer in the world (based on the fact that all 18 of his books are still in print!) It’s likely that most fly fishers have read John’s work, but it’s a pleasure to hear his voice and some of his thoughts on today’s fly-fishing world. In The Fly Box, we have some thought-provoking questions this week: whether it makes sense to use a loop knot on a dry fly, whether a three-turn blood knot is enough, how to keep a bass leader from twisting, another cool trick with a rubber band, how to keep your emergers floating properly in the surface film, how to catch freshwater drum, and what kinds of fly lines you need for fishing a Canadian lake in midsummer.

The Wonders of the Midwest’s Driftless Region with Mat Wagner May 18, 2017

This week’s podcast is a tour of the wonders of the Midwest’s Driftless Region, where small trout streams abound, trout are plentiful, and public access abounds. What could be better? Guide Mat Wagner tells all in this podcast that helped me vicariously enjoy his region (it’s at the top of my wish list). In the Fly Box, we had some particularly interested questions this week: Using night vision goggles for trout fishing, how to keep a record of streamside insects you find, disappearing brook trout, fighting big fish, catching sea trout on a fly, and the effectiveness of fishing bait using a fly rod.

Lessons learned from the Friends of the Upper Delaware River with Jeff Skelding May 11, 2017

In the fly box this week we have questions on making your own braided leaders, boorish behavior on trout streams, the effect of melting snow on fishing, how to test a new fly, the ethics of using a guide to find a spot and then fishing it on your own (don’t do it), and a mystery caller at the end.

This week I also share an interview with Jeff Skelding, executive director of the Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR). This is a very effective regional conservation organization that after years of difficult relations with local public officials, state and regional water authorities, and highway departments, has gradually formed very effective partnerships with them. We can all learn from their advice and experience when it appears that conservation and property seem to be at odds. It does not have to be a zero-sum game.

Fly-Fishing the Bahamas with Chris Dombrowski Apr 24, 2017

This week I interview Chris Dombrowski, author, poet, and fishing guide. Chris's book Body of Water is one of my favorite fly fishing books--even though it is more about people than fishing. Learn how a guy with the rough hands of a fishing guide and the soul of a poet thinks about our crazy world.

We have all listener email this week as the phone calls I had were not the types of questions I can answer in this podcast (where should I fish, etc). WE do have some great questions on rod and reel maintenance and weather, nymphing, how much are "collectors'" flies worth, chemicals in fly-tying material and more.

Facebook Live Show; Orvis's New Snips and Viewer Questions Apr 21, 2017

This is a bit different from regular shows. This is the audio from a Facebook LIVE video show Tom did last week about Orvis' new snips and he also takes questions on various topics.

The sound quality is not as high as other shows.

If you want to skip the snips presentation, skip ahead about five minutes. You can see the video version and other videos at https://www.facebook.com/pg/orvisflyfishing/videos

Fly-Fishing in Cuba with Felipe Rodriguez Apr 14, 2017

In this week’s podcast, I was honored to have Felipe Rodriguez in the studio. Felipe is the head guide for the Orvis trips to Cuba, and is one of the most highly respected guides in Cuba, both for his knowledge of the fishery and for his education efforts with the younger generation of Cuban guides. He had never seen snow before, and arrived in Vermont and New York City in the middle of our biggest snowstorm of the winter. It was an exciting time for us and for Felipe.

Also this week, in the Fly Box, we talk more about Mop Flies, basic saltwater patterns, wrist braces for fly fishers with tendonitis, UV and fluorescent materials, and advice for the younger generation of fly fishers.

Fixed | Fishing High-Water Spring Runoff for Trout with Landon Mayer Mar 20, 2017

In this week’s podcast, our guest is the very savvy guide and writer Landon Mayer from central Colorado. Landon is the author of four books on fly fishing, numerous magazine articles, and you may have caught one of his presentations at a fly-fishing show. He’s also a hard-working guide. Landon gives us his special tips for taking advantage of the high water of spring runoff—something most of us try to avoid but with Landon’s guidance you might welcome these conditions. In The Fly Box, we talk about casting practice, the use of two indicators, fishing for landlocked salmon in lakes, Woolly Buggers for steelhead, and a heartwarming story about catching a steelhead despite adverse conditions.

Fishing Early Spring Midges in Tailwaters with Pat Dorsey Mar 06, 2017

In this week’s podcast, I have the pleasure of picking Pat Dorsey’s brain on winter and early spring midge fishing in tailwaters. Pat is one of our foremost experts on small fly fishing, and is known far and wide as a guide, writer, fly tier, and presenter. Plus he’s just a cool guy. In the Fly Box this week, we have a surprise guest talking about an infamous bumper sticker, the difference between tippet material and regular fishing line, estimating how big trout get in small streams, a couple of dubbing techniques, how to find seam leaks in waders, avoiding tangles in two-fly rigs (don’t expect any brilliant ideas), and using stripping baskets with Spey rods.

Reid Interviews Tom Rosenbauer about intersection of Bird Hunting and Fly Fishing Mar 05, 2017

Hi- This is Jamie Hathaway. I produce both the Orvis fishing and hunting podcasts. I thought you might like to hear Reid Bryant's interview with Tom over on the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast.

Subscribe to the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast on iTunes or at www.orvis.com/podcasts!

Reid Bryant shares the booth with Orvis legend and avid hunter Tom Rosenbauer. Best known for his fly-fishing books, fly patterns, and host role with the Orvis Fly-fishing Podcast, Tom is a wealth of knowledge about Orvis and the sporting resources of southern Vermont. Reid and Tom discuss, dogs, ducks, and the symbiotic nature of being a fly angler as well as a bird hunter.

Tom's Big Break Feb 28, 2017

Orvis CEO Perk Perkins gave Tom an important job and Tom is excited to show him the results.

Local Guide Secrets for California Steelhead and Trout with John Rickard Feb 07, 2017

This week’s podcast interview is with John Rickard, Orvis-Endorsed Guide with Wild Waters Fly Fishing in Shasta, California. Our main topic is winter steelhead in California, but John also gives us some helpful insights on California trout fishing as well. In The Fly Box, we ramble through topics like when to anchor a drift boat and when to keep moving, packing your gear for trips, weighting flies, Softex vs. epoxy, the difference between switch rods and long single-handed rods, and the importance of white nymphs. We also get a stern warning on road-killed songbird feathers—spoiler—even possessing them is a federal felony. Yikes!

[Video] Tom's New Book, Fly Fishing for Trout--The Next Level Feb 06, 2017

One of the most common questions I get on this podcast and in person is "how can i take my fishing to the next level?".

My new book, "Fly Fishing for Trout--The Next Level" is out and I'm really proud of it.

I made this video to tell you why I wrote the book and how it can help you have more fun on the water.

I hope you check it out!

Rare, Unusual, and Under Utilized Fly Tying Materials with Tim Flagler Jan 28, 2017

I am betting that this week’s podcast will be one of the most popular of the year. Entitled “Rare, Unusual, and Under-Utilized Fly Tying Materials” it’s an interview with superb videographer and fly tier Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions. As typically happens with us, we go off on some crazy tangents but it’s all about fly tying and it gets a bit geeky. Which I have found that lots of our listeners enjoy. And if that’s not enough, the Fly Box covers carrying a second rod on the river, picking hackle capes, DT vs. WF lines (again!), fall-spawning rainbows, casting leaders with heavy flies and weight on them, midging trout during the winter, night-fishing tips, and fluoro vs. nylon for tippets.

Tactical Fly-Fishing Techniques with Jesse Haller Jan 22, 2017

We get many questions about tactical nymphs, tactical fishing, and tactical hooks. What do we mean by this? Listen this week as we talk to Jesse Haller, resident Orvis Tactical Master. We’ll be talking about tying tactical flies and using tactical hooks. And Jesse will give up his go-to fly patterns and tell us how to tie them. Also in the fly box this week we explore fly fishing for largemouths and smallmouths, swinging flies for big brown trout, winter fly fishing, how to measure leader sections, how to pick a trout net and how to use it, and whether “western” fly patterns can be used in the East.

Top-Secret Steelhead Tips with Stefan Woodruff Dec 28, 2016

In this podcast Stefan Woodruff, Orvis-endorsed guide with Ellensburg Anglers in Washington State, reveals (some of) his secrets to catching steelhead, plus an overview of ths steelhead opportunities in his state. Trout anglers will also enjoy his tips on fishing the Yakima River, tips that should work anywhere. In The Fly Box we range from tying gel-spun backing to fly line, how to fish with a friend and really fish together, what to do if you get snagged on a small stream, hooking fish on fiberglass rods, identifying jumping fish, what materials to save for fly tying from hunting trips, how to avoid drag when fishing to fish in a slow pocket on the other side of fast current. I also decline to give marital advice to one listener.

Trouble in the Everglades Dec 27, 2016

This podcast is an interview with an old friend and fishing buddy, Mike Connor of Bullsugar.org. Mike is a fishing guide whose livelihood has been threatened by the inaction and foot-dragging of politicians on the Lake Okeechobee/Everglades water issues, as Mike’s home waters are at the mouth of the St. Lucie River. We don’t like to talk politics in the podcast but unfortunately this issue, one of the biggest environmental issues in the United States, needs a political solution as the science has been completed, the funds have been approved by voters and Congress—but somehow not much has happened. Of course we also talk lots of fishing in this podcast, with a clarification on what the Tactical Fly and hook series is, why few flies are colored white, the five easiest but effective trout flies to tie, lots of discussion on head cements for fly tying, more on sight-fishing for trout, casting off to the side,—and other earth-shaking issues.

Advanced Steelhead Tips with Chuck Hawkins (fixed) Dec 11, 2016

This week I interview Chuck Hawkins, one of the most experienced Great Lakes steelhead guides, who also travels the world in search of trout and other species when he’s not guiding steelheaders. As usual when talking to such an experienced guide, I discovered many cool tips and tricks I had never thought of. I’m sure you’ll find this podcast educational, whether you fish for steelhead in the Great Lakes or on the West Coast—or even if you fish for non-migratory trout with nymphs and streamers. Lots of these techniques translate well. In the Fly Box, we answer questions on deeply-hooked trout, straightening tippets, casting on grass, sight-fishing for trout, avoiding crowds, bite tippets for pike and pickerel, fishing in the middle of the day, and other little tidbits.

Urban Fy-Fishing with Jen Ripple Dec 02, 2016

This week I have a delightful interview with the energetic Jen Ripple, publisher of Dun Magazine. She has some exciting news about her magazine that you’ll discover in the podcast. But the podcast is not about magazines, it’s about urban fly fishing, specifically Midwestern urban fly fishing. Jen is well versed on this subject, and I know you’ll enjoy some of her wild stories and you’ll learn a bunch about how to seek out these gems in the middle of heavy industry. Also in the Fly Box we discuss loops on fly lines, whether fly fishing is better than spin fishing, what to do with poorly tied flies from your earlier attempts, how to target big brook trout, how to avoid spooking trout, when it’s OK to reel your line-to-leader connection inside your guides, how to avoid foul-hooking fish—and lots of other tidbits.

Advanced Steelhead Tips with Damon Newpher Nov 18, 2016

This week’s podcast is on Great Lakes steelhead fishing, in particular the tributaries to Lake Erie. Damon Newpher, longtime Orvis-endorsed guide, gives us some advanced tips on some of the techniques he uses, which should work on all Great Lakes tribs. You’ll be surprised at some of the techniques he uses, including a dry dropper rig, nymph rigs, and of course his secrets for swinging flies. Also in the fly box this week we tackle questions like tips for fishing nymphs deep in weedy waters, drift boat anchors, how to cast a large fly on a relatively light rod, migrating trout, fishing near redds, weed guards on flies, cigarette smoke and trout, and the dreaded mop fly.

The Truth About False Albacore Oct 10, 2016

I’m just back from a wonderful trip to Cape Cod fishing for false albacore with my old friend Captain Tony Biski (http://www.orvis.com/p/monomoy-fly-fishing-capt-tony-biski-ma/8c91 ) and have been wanting to do a podcast with Peter Jenkins from The Saltwater Edge in Newport, Rhode Island. Since he’s an albie expert, it seemed like the perfect week to talk about these wonderful fish. Peter and I don’t agree on all aspects of albie fishing—but that’s what makes fly fishing interesting and fun. In the Fly Box, we have questions about snorkel observations of trout streams, suggestions on how to tie on a fly in fading light, a mystery about losing a potential monster trout, when to lose the shot and indicator when nymph fishing, a bunch of questions about what fly rod to pick, and the strongest backing-to-fly-line connection. Plus a touching story from a listener in the UK.

Late Season Carp Techniques, with Dan Fraiser Sep 19, 2016

I always enjoy doing podcasts with Dan Frasier. He’s always upbeat, often very funny, and is one of the most insightful carp anglers I know. He’s also the author of The Orvis Beginner’s Guide to Carp Flies http://www.orvis.com/p/the-orvis-beginners-guide-to-carp-flies/2ef7 , which I think is a misleading title because his book is THE authority on carp flies and is a favorite with many expert carp anglers. Dan talks about how potentially the best carp fishing of the year lies ahead of us, something I was not aware of. I always thought carp fishing was best in the heat of summer, but you’ll discover in this podcast that you have a lot more to look forward to—and Dan will tell you how and why. And of course we have an installment of the Fly Box, covering such esoteric topics as fishing with dogs, trout in Mexico, jumping trout, sinking lines for trout, and how to fish a difficult tail of a pool.

Tom's first LIVE Facebook Show Aug 19, 2016

Tom takes your questions in his first live show on Facebook!

Where can I legally fish and where am I trespassing? With Land Tawney Aug 13, 2016

Where can I legally fish and where am I trespassing? What is considered navigable water? Who owns the water and the fish in it? These are all questions answered in this week’s podcast by Land Tawney, CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, based in Missoula, Montana. What you’ll learn is that these answers vary with every state, and thus you must learn a new set of access laws every time you cross state lines. Also in the Fly Box this week we talk about how to fish a streamer, why dry/dry dropper rigs work, shelf life of fly-tying thread, underwater fish photos, tipping guides, the use of class tippets in salt water, whether you can put backing away wet, and other fun stuff.

Ten Hot Tips for August Trout Fishing Aug 02, 2016

In this week’s podcast, I tackle the subject of “Ten Hot Tips for August Trout Fishing”, and I think there will be things for both beginners and experts in there. In the Fly Box, we discuss such diverse topics as deer hair choice in fly tying, 7-piece rods, rubbing flies in the mud, imitation jungle cock, tippet ring setup, moving from Tenkara to conventional “Western” rods, spooked trout, jumping carp, and how to pick the right guide.

Advanced Trout Techniqyes with Tom Brown Jun 27, 2016

In response to requests for more advanced podcasts, this week I have an interview with Tom Brown, a master at technical trout fishing, long-time fishing manager in our Roanoke retail store, and now a member of our Outfitter Team (the great people who answer your technical fly fishing questions via phone, e-mail, or chat). Also in the fly box we cover whether a 3-weight is OK for an all-around Rocky Mountain rod, whether the absence of small fish in a pool indicates a big trout nearby, treble hooks for tube flies, switch rods from SUPs, the best sinking line for streams, terrestrials early in the season, and a bunch of other interesting questions.

Finding and catching stream smallmouth bass on a fly rod with Paul Caldwell Jun 07, 2016

This week’s podcast feature smallmouth expert Paul Caldwell with his tips on finding and catching stream smallmouths on a fly rod. Paul is a specialist in the Outfitter area in our Roanoke customer service department, and handles technical questions for guides, dealers, and all anglers who have questions on tackle—or just plain fishing questions. As you’ll hear, we have a talented staff in Virginia with first-rate anglers manning our phone, e-mail, and chat lines. In the Fly Box this week, we talk about spooky brook trout, how much pressure a small stream can take, how to wash your waders, why stocked trout have banged-up fins and jaws, how to decide angling tactics based on habitat or trout species, ways to test your hook-setting abilities, and how to play a trout with a long leader.

Stillwater tips with Steve Yeomans Jun 01, 2016

This week we have a loooong stillwater podcast, for those of you who have been requesting one. Because the British are so more sophisticated in stillwater fishing than most North Americans (with the exception of anglers in the US Northwest and southwestern Canada) I turned to an expert from across the pond, Steve Yeomans, an expert stillwater guide and angler. Steve goes into detail on how to find fish in lakes, gearing up, casting tricks, lines and leaders, retrieves, and of course flies. It’s chock full of solid information. Also in the fly box we discuss the best length for saltwater fly rods, trout fishing in rain and fog, landing trout that sulk in deep pools, landing trout on smaller hooks, parachute posts, and beads vs. cones on flies. There are also two great suggestions from listeners and I re-answer one question where I thought I heard the caller say “tube flies in salt water” when he actually said “two flies in salt water”

Return of the Tenkara Sensei May 18, 2016

This week I had the pleasure of talking to Daniel Galhardo of Tenkara USA, who did a basic Tenkara podcast last year when he was visiting us. We get into a little more detail on Tenkara, especially the use of sinking flies and all the ways you can manipulate them with this method. If you are curious about this method of fishing I think you’ll enjoy it. In The Fly Box this week, we had a wide range of topics, like how to hook snakehead on a fly, which sling bag to pick, how to fish streamers, a tip on curing UV resins, whether the flex or action of the rod affects your hooking ability, and which direction salmon face when they are returning to the ocean.

Keep 'em Wet: Best Practices for Catch and Release May 08, 2016

In this podcast I tell a story about getting caught playing Hendrickson hooky by two owners of the Orvis Company. Plus various assorted Fly Box questions like keeping rainbows on the hook when they jump, how to remove flies from deep in a trout’s mouth, how Eastern and Western waters differ in early season, fly fishing alongside spin-fishing buddies—plus the main podcast, in which Paul Moinester of Keep ‘Em Wet and I talk about best practices for releasing fish.

Early Spring Fishing in Florida with Cpt Dave Pecci Apr 18, 2016

This week we visit with Captain Dave Pecci about early spring fishing in the Charlotte Harbor area of Florida. WE also talk once again about the current water quality issue in Florida. You may all be sick of hearing about it, but other than climate change the Everglades issue is one of the most serious immediate threats to both our freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. But don?t worry, we also talk about catching redfish, speckled trout, and snook. In The Fly Box this week we cover a broad range of topics, from the Eastern Green Drake hatch to small-stream steelhead tactics to the advantages of fiberglass rods.

The New Lord of the Flies Apr 08, 2016

Tom sits down with Orvis' new fly guru, Jesse Haller to discuss (of course) flies as well as competitive fly fishing. / / In the Fly Box, Tom takes your questions ranging from scented flies to broken rods.

Fishing the Everglades with Jason Sullivan Mar 11, 2016

This week I have an interview with Captain Jason Sullivan, who fishes out of Flamingo in south Florida and covers both the southern Everglades and Florida Bay. We talk a lot about tarpon, but also redfish, snook, sea trout, cobia, and even tripletail. On the second part of the interview we talk about the longstanding ecological problems in south Florida, caused by man-made diversion of fresh water from the Everglades and Florida Bay and the over-abundance of human-directed fresh water on places on both the Atlantic Coast and Gulf Coasts. It’s a hot topic these days because of the high water conditions in Lake Okeechobee that are creating even more flows of polluted fresh water than usual. The Everglades belong to all of us, and anyone who loves this vast wild place should be concerned about what is going on in Florida. So please don’t turn off the podcast after we get done talking about tarpon fishing.

In the Fly Box, we range from spring high water issues to tippet knots, line-to-leader connections, and magnetized fly hooks. And, of course, imitating freshwater clams for carp fishing. Would not be a proper podcast with a clam-eating carp question.

Using Science to Catch More Bonefish with Justin Lewis Feb 21, 2016

This week I interview Justin Lewis, fisheries scientist and native of Grand Bahama Island, who is the Bahamas Initiative Manager for Bonefish Tarpon Trust. You’ll learn some fascinating science, what the Bahamas is doing to protect their near-pristine habitat, and some tips on catching bonefish based on the science we’ve learned from BTT’s research. In the fly box, we talk about storing waders, head cement, swinging flies, coiling line, where to attach droppers, fishing PCB-contaminated waters, indicator types, wet knot strength in tippet, and how to keep dry flies floating upright. Plus we have a couple great tips submitted by listeners.

The Golden Rules of Fly-Tying with Dave Klausmeyer Feb 01, 2016

This week the main part of the podcast is a long interview with Dave Klausmeyer, editor of Fly Tier Magazine. He talks about his Golden Rules of Fly Tying and then also gives his 10 Cannot-Do-Without natural and synthetic materials. If you keep count you will find that Klausmeyer is even worse at addition than I am.

In The Fly Box, we ramble from fishing soft hackles to checking fly lines and backing for damage. There are also a couple questions about finding big rainbow trout feeding in still, shallow water. And we have a couple great lists of suggestions from listeners—one on ways to carry a second rod when wading; the other on “Suggestions for a novice from a kinda novice.” If I keep getting great responses like this from listeners I can let them take over the whole podcast!

Winter Fly Patterns and Trout Tactics with Tim Flagler Jan 11, 2016

By very popular demand, this week I have Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions as my guest and we ramble about—guess what?—fly tying. But not all tying, in fact I think we talk as much about winter trout tactics as we do winter fly patterns. But I know after this podcast I have a half dozen new flies I want to try in the coming season. Also, in a longer-than-usual Fly Box section this week (hopefully to make up for not having many podcasts in December) we talk about sharpening scissors, tying the Adams, hooking fish, 10 fly-fishing books I recommend, caddis nymphs, knots for tube flies, UK wild trout, carrying a second rod while wading, and lots more.

More on Steelhead and Demystifying Two-Handed Casting with Jason Cotta Dec 08, 2015

In this week’s podcast, we continue our series on steelhead fishing by going into even more detail on demystifying the terms used in two-handed casting, when to use a Spey or a switch rod, and lots of detail on lines for two-handed rods, because it is a whole new world with new vocabulary. But take heart—Jason Cotta, fishing manager of Orvis Bellevue, walks us through the details and explains them very clearly. He also gives some solid tips for the novice steelhead angler. In The Fly Box, we cover dealing with road kill squirrel’s tail, small stream rods, saltwater fly lines, difficult albies in shallow water, fly pattern trademarks and royalties, fish leverage on various types of hooks, the life of nylon tippet, bobber alternatives, and the effects of drought on small stream trout populations.

Catching the Challenging Michigan Steelhead with Frank Willets Nov 22, 2015

This week I have an interview with Frank Willets of Pere Marquette River Lodge on Michigan steelhead fishing. Frank grew up fishing in Michigan and knows the ins and outs of Great Lakes steelheading intimately. I know you’ll pick up some tips and this one is sure to be controversial because on the PM they use the chuck & duck method quite often and make no bones about it (they also swing flies in the traditional manner). We’ll also answer questions on why you seldom see hatches, how to play steelhead, pre-treatments for dry flies, “must fish” rivers for swinging flies, two-handed rods for the Florida surf, streamers in low water, what part of a deer hide to save, and other bizarre questions only a fly fisher could love.

Steelhead Alley with Greg Senyo Oct 27, 2015

For this week’s podcast we have an interview with author, guide, fly designer, and master steelheader Greg Senyo, who grew up in the Steelhead Alley region and knows it intimately. If you are heading to Lake Erie this year, or to any of the Great Lakes tributaries, you’ll find some solid tips on how to have more fun. In the Fly Box this week we talk about “dry fly nirvana”, where to go on a Rocky Mountain trout trip (I don’t give any recommendations and I say why I don’t), how to catch suckers and carp in a trout stream, tying flies with silk, keeping your pant legs down when wearing waders, why expensive sunglasses are worth it, tips on tying Glo Bugs, the benefits of micro jig hooks, and why dry flies sometime twist your tippet.

Steelhead Tips with Adam MacNamara Oct 10, 2015

This week’s podcast is worth listening to, just for the entertainment value of hearing a listener say he doesn’t listen to many of the podcasts because I “speak too slowly as if you are a grade school teacher teaching remedial students” and that “Words or ideas that are so basically common knowledge of this sport need no explanation. For example, if one of your listeners doesn’t know what a tippet is, they should look it up elsewhere and not waste the other listeners’ time with a long, slooow, and overdrawn explanation” So take that, you dummies! Use Google and don’t bother me with your basic questions. Are you bothered by this? Or do you have a different opinion? If so, please listen to the podcast and then come back to this post to air your comments. If I’m boring you I want to hear about it.

Oh, yeah, and my long overdrawn explanations this week cover right-angle nymph rigs, rotary vises, lines for bonefish, year class dominance in trout, why there is no magic fly for a hatch, tying the Surf Candy, and much more. And the main event is an interview with Adam MacNamara, manager of the Orvis retail store in Portland Oregon and longtime steelhead angler and guide. And you’ll never guess what we talk about…

Fly-Fishing in Colder Conditions with John Herzer Sep 29, 2015

This week the main event is a chat with John Herzer, owner of Blackfoot River Outfitters and one of the savviest anglers and guides I know. John talks about late fall and winter fishing in the Missoula area, although the solid tips he gives would work anywhere in the world when you encounter colder conditions. Also in the Fly Box we discuss wet flies vs. nymphs and when to use them, single-handed steelhead rods that also work for bass and salt water, night fishing for rainbow trout (don’t), native fish species, and my brilliant career picking flies out of carpets.

Spey Casting Simplified (kind of) Sep 20, 2015

This week we had lots of great questions in the Fly Box because I have not done a podcast in a few weeks—so there were lots of good ones in my inbox. We talk about using the Non-Slip Mono Loop knot for fresh water, tippet rings, tough rising fish, Depth Charge Lines, fly boxes for big dries, click-and pawl reels for trout, up vs. down vs. ring eyes for fly hooks—plus two great suggestions from listeners: one on casting fatigue and the other on a very innovative way to dry CDC flies.

And in the main event, casting instructor extraordinaire Pete Kutzer and I try to simplify Spey casting and lines for two-handed rods. I am not sure we simplified it much but hopefully it will answer some of your questions.

Stillwater Tips with Bill Reed Aug 15, 2015

In the podcast this week, I have the pleasure of interviewing my old friend and co-worker Bill Reed on stillwater trout fishing. We get requests for stillwater podcasts regularly but honestly I’m not very good at stillwater trout fishing and just don’t do it enough. Bill gives us his 8 tips for stillwater fishing, and whether you are an expert at this discipline or just thinking about it, you’ll get many valuable tips. Also on the Fly Box this week we ramble about night fishing, streamer fishing, how to organize your fly box, how to catch fall landlocked salmon, dry/dropper combinations, wire leaders, parachute hackles, and landing fish in the weeds.

Lessons from the Missouri with Chris Strainer Aug 08, 2015

In this week’s podcast we talk to Chris Strainer, owner of Crosscurrents Fly Shop in Craig, Montana. Chris fills us in on how to beat both the heat and the crowds on one of our most popular trout rivers, the Missouri. He has some great tips on this, as well as suggestions for fall fishing opportunities when the crowds are gone and the weather is cooler.

In the Fly Box we talk about mending with a dry fly, fishing emergers and wets upstream, prospecting with smaller flies, losing fish when they jump, protecting rubber legs on crab patterns, casting fatigue, big fish on light rods…and many other crazy topics.

Tom's Ten Tips to Beat the Heat Jul 12, 2015

This week I give Ten Tips for Trout Anglers to Beat the Heat, I think a timely topic with the weather we have had lately. In the Fly Box, we also talk more about fly lines for bass, when to change a dropper fly if only one pattern is working, whether it is OK to harvest small brook trout for lunch, how to decide amongst the thousands of attractor patterns, best flies for perch, “RADD” (river ADD), how to practice for trout on your local panfish lake, and best rods for kayak fishing.

Perk Perkins on Fly Lines Jul 01, 2015

This week I have the pleasure of interviewing our CEO Perk Perkins, who as you know if you listen to the podcasts is a big leader and tippet geek. He also has strong opinions on floating trout lines, and in the podcast he talks about why he loves textured lines and what taper he prefers and why. Also in the fly box we discuss upstream and downstream mends, what happens during a crazy olive hatch, slack line under your rod tip, setting the hook too aggressively, fishing saltwater flies for trout, and lots of other good questions.

Smallmouth Bass Tips with Kip Vieth Jun 17, 2015

This week my guest is one of our top warmwater fly fishing experts. You probably know of Kip Vieth as a muskie guide, as he is one of the most famous fly-rod muskie anglers. But his first love is smallmouth bass, and it’s fascinating that his location is the most famous river in the United States, the Mississippi River. He fishes the upper river where the water is clear and the location is unspoiled by the endless development we think of when we imagine the Mississippi. As well as discovering his unique part of the world, you’ll also pick up many tips on catching smallmouth bass anywhere.

In the Fly Box section I try to answer some questions on targetting carp,, alternatives to wire when fishing for muskie, using flies with a spin rod, my "method" when approaching a river, and more.

Finding and Catching Redfish with Captain Tuck Scott May 27, 2015

This week we’ll travel to the Low Country of South Carolina to interview Captain Tuck Scott, who is a master at finding redfish along the South Carolina coast. In addition, historic Beaufort sounds like an amazing place for a family vacation, so this one might be a trip to plan where fishing is only part of the plan. Tuck gives us plenty of intelligence on finding and catching redfish in the Low Country, and also some special redfish tips that will work anywhere. In the Fly Box this week we talk about missed fish on downstream wet flies, fish chasing streamers but not connecting, organizing fly-tying materials, the benefits of hiring a guide, and tips for fishing scuds on spring creeks.

Return of the Tenkara Master May 11, 2015

Last week we were fortunate to have Daniel Galhardo, owner of Tenkara USA visit our office and he had a few minutes to stop by for a podcast interview. In this week’s discussion, he talks about what he has learned since his original podcast with us, especially about fly patterns and the rationale for using a single fly. He also talks about—gasp—fishing a huge streamer from Shawn Combs’ drift boat with his Tenkara rod. So much for being a purist.

Even if you are not interested in Tenkara fishing you will probably find something of interest in this week’s podcast. We tackle questions about rinsing gear after saltwater use, how much backing to put on a reel with a sinking line, the use of stinger hooks on saltwater flies, fishing lake-run browns and steelhead in the Great Lakes in estuaries, whether metal studs spook trout, and a great tip from a listener for cleaning your fly tying bench.

The Ten Most Endangered Rivers of 2015 May 03, 2015

In this week’s podcast, we were fortunate to have Bob Irvin, president and CEO of American Rivers, in town for a visit. Bob and I got to chat about their “10 Most Endangered Rivers” list for this year, and he goes into detail on the ones most important to fly anglers. If you care about moving water, this is a must-listen. Also, in the Fly Box this week, questions range from whether switch lines spook fish, whether to go back to the head of a pool after catching a big rainbow there, whether it is ethical to remove streamside brush in small streams, how to pick the right glass rod, and how to tell if your local river holds big fish.

Fishing the Tailwaters of Eastern Tennessee with Patrick Fulkrod, the 2014 Orvis-Endorsed Guide of the Year Apr 17, 2015

On this week’s podcast Patrick Fulkrod, the 2014 Orvis-Endorsed Guide of the Year, gives us a very full accounting of fly fishing on the east Tennessee tailwaters, specifically the Watauga and South Holston rivers. He spills some of his secrets on hatches, seasons, water levels, and special techniques. In the Fly Box, we have questions on trimming hackle for dry flies, hackles to use on saltwater flies, how to set the hook on downstream fish, what to do on an unfamiliar river, crane fly larvae, how to fish nymphs for cutthroats in over 15 feet of water in a river (my advice—don’t), and finally how you can lose weight and get in better shape by listening to the podcast.

Bill & Tom's Excellent Fly Lists Apr 06, 2015

This week I have been asked to narrow my fly selection to three nymphs, dries, emergers, and streamers with one hand tied behind my back because the guy who wrote the question said I couldn’t use any of the old standbys (and he even specified them, most of which I would have picked). So I dug deep and also asked my fishing buddy and co-worker Bill Reed to come in and discuss his favorites to see how our lists match. Also in the fly box this week are questions about spotting fish in the water, how to keep a trout on the line once you have hooked it, how to spend $1500 wisely after your first year of fly fishing, and fly line color. In addition, we have a couple great letters from listeners offering suggestions on eye safety and fishing the UK chalk streams on a budget.

The Best of Tom: Upstream or Down Apr 01, 2015

Every now and then, when Tom is too busy fishing to get into the studio, we release one of his more popular shows. Here is a great one he recorded on May 28,2013,

In this episode we explore the topic of whether you should fish upstream or down, not only what direction you should move but also which way you present your fly. The podcast will tell you exactly which direction to fish every time you go out by using a simple formula (just kidding—did you really think it would be that easy?)

In the fly box we answer questions about setting the hook (again), what length rod to use (again), adding tippets to knotless leaders (again), what to do about minnows sinking your dry flies (aha! A new one and a fun one, too), and how to improve your roll cast by using a different line. I keep answering those repeated topics because it seems they are universal questions and sometimes a different question or slant on a question may make it more clear to listeners. Have fun!

Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast: Over-Unders vs SIde-by-Sides Mar 27, 2015

This week we are including the most recent episode of the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast with Reid Bryant. If you enjoy the show, please go to orvis.com/podcast and subscribe.

In this episode, Reid interviews fomer Orvis gun smith, John Skinner on the age-aold controversy of side-by-side vs. over-under shotguns. He interviews John Skinner, former Orvis Head Gunsmith and Shooting instructor. He relays the nuances of one format versus another and goes into some of the history as well.

Our Leader on Leaders: Tom Interviews Perk Perkins Mar 16, 2015

Tom interviews his boss, Orvis CEO Perk Perkins on leaders. Don't let the CEO title fool you, the guy knows his stuff.

Would you like to be on the show? Tom tells you how to win a new contest and be one of our next guests.

Also, Tom answers lots of your questions in the Fly Box.

The Ultimate Streamer Episode -- until our next one -- with Mike Schmidt Mar 08, 2015

This week I have a long and fascinating interview with Mike Schmidt, designer of such giant trout streamers as the Junkyard Dog. He gives up his secrets on when to fish a giant streamer (and when not to), what techniques he uses, and also some tips on tying these flies and why he designs them the way he does. I don’t think I have learned so much in a podcast in a long time and I hope you find it as inspiring and interesting as I need. I am ready to charge out there with some giant streamers right away. In the Fly Box this week, we range from catching smallmouth bass in clear lakes to catching stocked trout and channel catfish in Houston, how to get more involved in the fly-fishing industry, whether or not wings are necessary on a dry fly, and much more.

A Lifetime of Trout Mar 01, 2015

This week I interview my old friend Kirk Deeter about Trout Unlimited’s Lifetime membership. This is a great gift for yourself or for a special person in your life (people often gift these to their kids for a special occasion) and this year the thank-you for the lifetime membership is a special Orvis Helios 2 Rod and limited-run CFO reel in Trout Unlimited’s green color. You can see how this rod was built in the video of our rod shop here: https://vimeo.com/116177056

Kirk and I do talk some fishing, and there is lots more in The Fly Box. Questions about the value of emergers, chest packs vs. waist packs vs. sling bags vs. vests, realistic vs. impressionistic flies, and the value of UV materials in fly tying are just some of the quick topics we cover.

The Lord of the Flies Returns Feb 06, 2015

In this week’s podcast, we continue our series on fly tying with an interview with a man sometimes known as The King of Swing for his steelheading skills, but he also has been called Lord of the Flies. Shawn Brillon is in charge of flies and fly tying materials at Orvis, and as a result he has his pulse on what is going on in the wild world of making bugs on hooks. Our topic this week is natural vs. synthetic materials—when you want one or the other, which ones Shawn and I can’t live (or at least tie) without), and the future of fly-tying materials. In The Fly Box this week, we answer questions on the best rod for smallmouth bass, how to prospect unknown waters in the spring, whether older fly fishing tackle puts you at any disadvantage, non-toxic wire as a substitute for lead, uses for antelope hair, and a great reader suggestion to add to my list of “10 Things I Wish I had Known When I Started Fly Tying” from last week.

10 Things I Wish I had Known About Fly-Tying When I Started Jan 30, 2015

On the podcast this week I am all by myself--it's a topic I've been asked to address before and didn't require a special guest. It's entitled "10 Things I Wish I had Known About Fly Tying when I Started", and although fly tying is a never-ending journey, I thought I would share some thoughts with listeners with the hope they will pick up on these tips, tricks, and materials quicker than I did--although some of them were not even around when I started tying almost 50 years ago! Also in The Fly Box this week we talk about the "X" system for describing hook shank length, whether to crimp the barbs on saltwater hooks, strategies for filling fly boxes during the winter, when to let a dead fish float away, how to remove the smell of head cement from recently tied flies (a great listener suggestion!), and how to determine which side of a feather is the "shiny" side.

Fly-Tying Tips with Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions Jan 21, 2015

This week I ramble a bit with fly tying expert Tim Flagler, the hands and the voice behind those great Tightline Productions you enjoy every week. We did intend to talk about material substitutions and we do, but we also go off topic here and there. Also in this week’s Fly Box: Does one spooked fish ruin an entire pool? Can I start right out fly fishing in salt water with no other fishing experience? How do I avoid a rat’s nest in the sink when cleaning my fly line? How to become a commercial fly tier. Best materials for parachute wings. And, finally, advice from an experienced commercial airline pilot on how to travel with fly tying materials without being pulled out of the security line.

Tying Flies for Warm Water Jan 16, 2015

In this week’s podcast, I interview Dan Frasier, noted fly-rod carp angler and writer, on tying flies for warm-water species. But don’t miss it if you are not a fly tier because he also gives lots of tips for catching carp, largemouths, smallmouths, pike, walleye, and even gar on the fly. And even if you don’t tie flies for warmwater species, he also offers great stuff on tying bigger baitfish and crayfish imitations in general. In The Fly Box, we range from where to where to go on your honeymoon to recommendations for my favorite brand of stepladder to other questions I can answer like what small-stream trout do in the winter, how to treat your flies in the off-season, clamp vs. pedestal vises, and much more.

Tom Interviews Hank Patterson Jan 06, 2015

This week we celebrate our 5 millionth podcast download and what better way to celebrate than have my hero and mentor Hank Patterson as my guest? As with all things Hank, you never know where you will end up so be prepared for this one! On the serious side, this week in the podcast we talk about tips for tying the Adams, best rods for casting practice, whether or not you need a net to land trophy smallmouths, the pros and cons of UV-cure vs. two-part epoxy, and what to tell an outfitter if the guide he matches you up with is less than stellar. Happy New Year!

Simon Says: A Guide to Guides Dec 19, 2014

This week I interview Simon Perkins, youngest member of the Perkins family (the owners of Orvis) on our staff. Simon is in charge of our travel, schools, hunting, and guide programs and was a guide himself in the past. This week he gives valuable advice on picking the right guide or lodge—a big investment in time and money, and a decision you should not take lightly. Also this week, in the Fly Box, we discuss the value of head cement, tippet rings, cleaning saltwater gear, and why you might want a Spey rod for winter steelhead.

Steelhead Tips with Dave Perkins Dec 05, 2014

This week I interview Dave Perkins, one of the members of the family that owns Orvis and Executive Vice Chairman of Orvis. Dave is one of the most well-traveled and experienced fly fishers I know, but he still enjoys fishing close to home as well. In this case he is sharing his tips on catching Eastern, lake-run steelhead from smaller Great Lakes tributaries. Dave has been doing this for many years so his tips are solid and helpful.

In the fly box, we talk about the ethics of fishing for spawning fish, how many turns to take on a clinch knot, tips on making dubbed bodies, Mysis shrimp, and use of sinking lines for nymph fishing.

The Secrets to a Good Fly-FIshing Video Nov 10, 2014

In addition to your questions in the Fly Box, Tom is joined in the studio by Orvis News Editor, Phil Monahan. Tom and Phil discuss what makes a great fly-fishing video, touching on subjects such as the ideal length, the proper use of a GoPro, and considering the amount of profanity in your soundtrack.

Phil also introduces the new Orvis fly-fishing video theater, The Tug, which has been completely redesigned and updated, with over three hundred of the best videos online. Check it out at orvis.com/flyfishingvideos.

The Most Important Saltwater Podcast We've Don Oct 24, 2014

In this episode, Orvis Vice-Chairman, Dave Perkins and I interview Whit Fosburgh about the impacts on our saltwater fisheries by recreational and commercial fishing and what the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is doing to help protect them.

I had a lot of interesting emails this week and a couple of phone calls, so there is a bit of an extended Fly Box section to answer all of your great questions.

The King of Swing Oct 03, 2014

This week I interview Shawn Brillon, the King of Swing here at Orvis. He’s a master at strategizing on swinging flies for both Atlantic salmon and steelhead, and his strategy works for trout streamers and wets as well. It should serve to get you jazzed up for steelhead season—I know it did for me. In the Fly Box, we talk about landlocked Atlantic salmon, best all-around line for a switch rod, a basic saltwater outfit and flies for almost anywhere in the world, plus I get pressed to pick which three fly rods I would pick if I could only have three for all of my fishing.

West Coast Saltwater Fly-Fishing Tips Sep 22, 2014

Did you know you can catch halibut on a fly rod in the Bay Area? How about striped bass, surf perch, sand sharks, tiger sharks, and jack smelt? Nathan Cooke of Orvis Sacramento gives us a great roundup of how to find these fish and how to catch them on a fly rod. He also has some great tips or fly fishing in the surf that will be helpful in any coastal area. In the Fly Box, we talk about tags ends for droppers, trout with full bellies, taking fish photos when you are in the middle of a river, how to pick a fly for a One Fly event, and a philosophy for a backup fly rod on trips—as well as a podcast listener who has been having dreams of conversations with Joe Humphreys!

Tailing Redfish with Aaron Adams Sep 04, 2014

In this week’s podcast I interview my good friend and fishing buddy Aaron Adams on tailing redfish. As a marine scientist, director of Bonefish Tarpon Trust, and a great all-around saltwater fly fisherman he gives some great tips on finding tailing (or otherwise) redfish and how to select a fly and present it to them. On this week’s Fly Box we concentrate more on freshwater fly fishing, and cover such topics as cracked fly lines, night fishing for trout, circle hooks for streamers, and pigtails above knots on light tippets. Then I try, unsuccessfully, to resolve a dispute between two brothers.

Bristol Bay and Heavy Metal Fly Fishing Aug 27, 2014

This week we take a break from our typical how-to podcasts (don’t worry The Fly Box is in there this week, with tips on tippet material, keeping hands warm, and a what to pay most attention to in a fly-fishing class) and look at the passions of two very interesting people. One is Scott Hed, from the Alaska Sportsman’s Alliance, with some really good news on the Bristol Bay issue and what you can do to finally put this to rest. The other is an interview with the guitarist from a heavy metal rock band, what he gets out of fly fishing, and how he compares it to composing music.

Don’t worry, I have several upcoming podcasts in the hopper, with hard-core tips and tricks in them.

Tips for Catching Warm Weather Steelhead Aug 15, 2014

In this week’s podcast, I interview my old friend Brian O’Keefe, founder of Catch Magazine, on tips for catching warm weather steelhead. Brian is one of the best anglers and teachers around, and I think it’s a particularly helpful interview full of good solid information. Plus it’s always fun to have Brian on the podcast. In the fly box, we talk about “buddy fish”, the utility of stripping baskets, a recommended rod for moving up from trout fishing, plus other short topics.

The Weather and its Impact on Fly Fishing Aug 11, 2014

In this episode I interview my old friend Reynolds Wolff of the Weather Channel on the impact of weather on fishing conditions. As it usually happens on this show, we get off the main topic quite a bit. I am not sure who was interviewed more here, Reynolds or me, but we cover a lot of ground on various topics.

As usual, I answer your questions in the Fly Box.

Five Reasons for Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone (fixed) Aug 05, 2014

After a hiatus for family vacation, a trade show, a tarpon trip, and just plain sloth and procrastination, we finally have a new podcast and it’s a long one, well over an hour. In the podcast we talk about keeping hold of big brown trout, big browns chasing hooked fish, rusty hooks, broken hooks, and dubbing problems. Quite an eclectic mix. The main part of the podcast is “Five Reasons for Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone” and I think you’ll be surprised at some of the benefits of trying new places and new techniques. There is a bonus feature of Big Pete Kutzer explain Tom’s big casting mistakes on long casts with big rod—hopefully pointing out my problems will help you as well.

Secrets to Largemouth Bass Fly Fishing in Big Lakes - with Steve Hollensed Jun 19, 2014

This week, a few people take me to task for not answering questions properly (I have addressed them in this week’s podcast) and we also talk about nymph/adult size and color correlation in insects, how to carry a second rod, using poly leaders, whether keeping gear in a hot car will hurt it, and a bunch of other questions. But the main event is a long conversation with Steve Hollensed from Texas on his secrets to largemouth bass fly fishing in big lakes. Just to pique your interest, they are not always in deep water during the day, and fly selection is probably the least important decision you make. So download this week’s episode and relax in an easy chair, cut the lawn, or make this week’s commute a little more tolerable.

East vs West with Jess McGlothlin Jun 09, 2014

This week I have a chat with Jess McGlothlin—author, blogger, photographer, conservationist, and a very accomplished fly fisher. She’s a Montana native and had her own business in the equestrian business before she fell in love with fly fishing and decided to devote her life to writing about it. You have probably read pieces with Jess’s byline over the past few years, but you’ll be reading more of her in the future as we hired her last winter as our outdoor copywriter—but Jess adds so much more to our team than just words on paper or on a screen as you’ll learn in the interview, where we compare Eastern to Western fly fishing. We have the usual fly box topics like when to wear landing gloves, when to use a “hitched” fly, how to set up your fishing vest, and a philosophy for tying or buying flies by size—in other words, if someone recommends Prince nymphs in sizes 14-18, can you just get away with a size 16? In case you don’t get to the podcast until later in the week, I’m speaking at Orvis Pittsburgh this Thursday (June 12) on Fishing Small Streams at 3 pm and Reading the Water at 6 pm. The seminars are free and I’ll be in the sore all day if you want to stop in and give me your podcast suggestions in person. Should be fun and I am looking forward to it.

Tom's Eight Tips on Using Indicators Jun 02, 2014

This week’s podcast is 8 tips on indicators—or probably more but I’m calling it 8 and sticking to it. We’ll talk about types, depth, how to rig, weights, and a couple special tricks on how to slow down the drift of your nymphs. In The Fly Box, we range from how to prepare for a saltwater trip to barbless hooks to sunken terrestrials to rod/reel balance. And lots more—even without a special guest I rambled for over an hour this week so I hope I can cover at least one of your daily commutes or a lawn mowing session.

Fly Fishing for Pike and Musky with Colin McKeown May 19, 2014

This week we have an advanced pike and musky podcast. It’s about time for these toothy guys to prowl the shallows after spawning and they are ravenous. But you might be surprised by the retrieve speed my expert suggests, as well as many other hot tips on catching pike, including tips on the best place in the world to catch big ones on the fly. Colin McKeown, host and producer of The New Fly Fisher TV show (WFN and PBS) joins me this week as my expert witness. We have a short fly box on tying streamer heads, getting your fly out of a tree, and a couple tips on how to choose between a graphite and fiberglass rod

Fishing for Freshwater Stripers with Henry Cowen May 10, 2014

This week I had a great talk with Henry Cowen on freshwater stripers. Henry is a saltwater angler and fly tier of great experience who brought his talents to freshwater stripers, and he has some wonderful tips for finding these big guys, flies to use, and techniques to get them to eat your fly. Also, we have lots of good fly box questions on saltwater fly tying, bad loops on fly lines, and other tidbits. Also a young listener takes me to task for banning cell phone calls to the request line and I should have known better. He says the only people he knows who have land lines are his parents. Guess I am showing my age, so please do use your cell phones for the podcast request line—just please not from your car and from a place with good service!

Note: A listener named Trevor called in with a great question about canoes vs kayaks. Please call again Trevor as we could not locate your call when it came time to produce the show.

Nymphing with Joe Humphreys May 02, 2014

This week I don’t have much of a Fly Box, because I just have not been getting many questions from listeners. Where are you? I’m lonely here. But I do have a big interview with the great Joe Humphreys, a savvy, iconoclastic fly fisher that I’ve admired for many years. He has a unique take on nymph fishing and has never used an indicator, so you may get some new ideas on how to fish nymphs on this one. By the way, Joe will be at Orvis Pittsburgh this Saturday and Sunday morning, so if you want to see him in action or ask some questions, get over to Orvis Pittsburgh.

H1 vs H2 and the Fly Box Apr 28, 2014

Warning—this week’s podcast, besides the usual Fly Box questions, contains a blatant commercial plug. I am often asked the difference between the original Helios and Helios 2 rods, and I think we have spelled it out pretty well in our marketing, but I figured a better way was to ask some of the best anglers and testers in the industry to articulate the differences they see between the two rods. So you’ll hear interviews with people like Brian O’Keefe, Spencer Higa, Dave and Amelia Jensen, and John Herzer—but the real treat is to hear what the amazing Hank Patterson has to say about H2 rods. I think you will enjoy all of these, but of course for the real truth don’t miss Hank’s interview.

Tom Interviews his Mentor, the Legendary Lewis Coleman Apr 01, 2014

This is a special time of year for me as it is the start of trout season in my hometown. I treat today like a religious holiday. it seems appropriate then that I should interview my mentor, and someone who many view as a fly-fishing god, Lewis Coleman. Lewis has taught some of the best in the world his techniques and he will share some of those with us today.

There is no fly-box section in this show as I wanted to give Lewis as much time as we could to go over his insight into spey casting, how he is pushing the limits in Tenkara and all about how he runs his lodges all around the world. We are lucky to have him on the show.

Smallmouth Bass Fly-Fishing Tips with Colby Trow Mar 21, 2014

This week we have what I feel is one of our best podcasts ever—an interview with Colby Trow of Mossy Creek Fly Shop on his advanced tactics for catching smallmouth bass. I learned a ton in this podcast and it makes me want to head south to chase some right now. And in this extra-long podcast there are plenty of fly box questions: Using a stomach pump on trout, how to keep your indicator from sliding, whether bright silver and gold beads are a thing of the past, how to find secondary feathers on a goose wing, and good substitutes for deer hair on a Comparadun wing.

Tom and Tim Talk Tying Tips Feb 18, 2014

It’s still fly-tying February, with our Fly Tying photo contest going on, plus 20% fly tying materials on our web site and in our stores. So although I do answer a question about poly leaders in lakes and one on whether to take a spinning rod when fishing with a 10-year-old, most of it is about fly tying, and should be helpful to anyone from a total novice to advanced tiers. I know I learned a number of very cool tricks in my interview with Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions (who does our awesome weekly tying videos). In the Fly Box, I also answer questions about hook quality, wool for fly tying, what to use for Comparadun wings, fly quality, and some theories about why we attach certain materials to a hook. I apologize in advance—Tim and I ramble quite a bit, but with a fly tier of Tim’s caliber the ramblings are interesting and educational.

Fly Tying Tips and Hints Feb 09, 2014

This week is all about fly tying. I took a whole bunch of questions that came in over the past week (thank you very much for your great questions) and we spend about an hour going over some tricky and not-so-tricky questions. The hardest one for me was to list the essential fly tying materials every tier should have on his or her bench (and I was not allowed to use CDC, rabbit fur, or peacock herl, which made it even tougher) and it took me two days to decide on that one. I ended up cheating and coming up with a trout list and a saltwater list. Other questions included emergency procedures for when you break your thread, when to use wax, most under-utilized materials, substitutes in fly-tying recipes, tips for tying with deer hair, and many others. Don’t forget that this month, fly tying materials at Orvis are 20% off, so now is the time to think about what you’ll need for next season.

Leaving the 9-5 to Fly Fish: An Interview with Paul Moinester Jan 22, 2014

This week we talk to Paul Moinester, who we should all envy. He quit a good job in DC to simplify and de-stress his life, and spent 6 months traveling the US to finds out more about fly fishing. He drove from the Keys to Alaska, fishing along the way, and came up with some very eloquent pointers on improving your fly fishing game, based on his many experiences. These are great tips from the perspective of a relative novice (at least he was when he started his trip!).

The Return of Fiberglass Rods (fixed) Jan 03, 2014

**This is a fixed version of "The Return of Fiberglass Rods". The originally posted version contained an editing error.**

We’ve had a lot of requests to do a podcast on fiberglass fly rods, but I wanted to wait until the Orvis rods were in stock before I did one. The Orvis Superfine Touch Fiberglass are now in stock and on our web site, so this week I cover the basics of fiberglass rods: A little history, some brief technology notes, and why you might want to at least test cast a fiberglass rod to see what all the fuss is about. They are not like the glass rods you remember from the 60s or 70s!

The Return of Fiberglass Rods Jan 01, 2014

We’ve had a lot of requests to do a podcast on fiberglass fly rods, but I wanted to wait until the Orvis rods were in stock before I did one. The Orvis Superfine Touch Fiberglass are now in stock and on our web site, so this week I cover the basics of fiberglass rods: A little history, some brief technology notes, and why you might want to at least test cast a fiberglass rod to see what all the fuss is about. They are not like the glass rods you remember from the 60s or 70s!

An Interview With Drake Magazine's Tom Bie Nov 26, 2013

This week, the main event is a fascinating podcast with Tom Bie, editor and publisher (and founder) of The Drake Magazine, an unconventional, edgy fly fishing publication that addresses the new, media-related fly fishing culture. Tom talks about his favorite fish, the steelhead, and about his passion for swinging flies, East vs. West, hatchery vs. wild steelhead, using Spey rods, and lots on the philosophy of the best swing speed for steelhead. We also touch on steelhead flies, and the future of fly fishing in general. It’s a great interview and a little more cerebral than we usually get on the podcast.

Also in this week’s Fly Box, we circle back to fly tying materials to get a little more clarity on thread sizes and types of elk hair. I answer questions on fighting big trout in confined quarters, what to do if a big trout sulks, the difference between a creek, brook, and river; the characteristics of spring creeks, tailwaters, chalk streams, and freestone streams; sight fishing to trout in shallow water without indicators, and just why a Zebra midge with a pink body sometimes out-fishes one with the standard black-and-white body.

Dating Advice from Tom Rosenbauer Nov 19, 2013

From the brilliant mind of CarpPro's Dan Frasier.

Demystifying Fly Tying Materials (and a hidden contest) Nov 18, 2013

This week’s podcast is mostly about fly tying—at least the main event. In The FlyBox, we talk about dangers on the water, how to keep your distance from your fishing buddy, Tenkara rods for kids, casting indoors, and how to do The San Juan Shuffle (hint—you don’t want to). There is also a very special offer only for podcast listeners somewhere in the podcast, and it’s only good for this week, so make sure you listen soon!

All About Steelhead Plus Your Questions Nov 04, 2013

This week it’s all about steelhead—or at least mostly about steelhead. Besides the main topic, dead drift vs. the swing for steelhead, we talk about overlining rods, matching a rod to a fish size, dressing dry flies, the NOAA Saltwater Registry, hooking fish in the tongue, fishing beads, and whether to ask a guide for a refund if you don’t catch any fish (I think you know my answer to that one).

Man-Eating Salmon and the Latest From the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Sep 30, 2013

On this week’s podcast, we discuss man-eating Chinook salmon, the ethics of going back to a spot a guide has taken you to, what BWOs are, possible cranefly hatches, stomach pumps, and I make an apology to the SUP crowd. Then we have a great interview with Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. Whit brings to light some boring-sounding legislation that is important to anyone who loves the outdoors, and gives us a good general overview of why they are important—like thousands of acres of public land that is inaccessible to taxpayers and what is being done about it.

Kirk Deeter's Top Ten Tips for Carp Sep 16, 2013

In this week's podcast, besides an interview with Kirk Deeter, author of The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing for Carp, we talk about how fly fishing can be a pain in the neck, fishing above waterfalls, jeans under waders, split shot on spring creeks, Tenkara and kids, minimalist equipment for fishing, hiking, and camping, and when to look for Trico duns this time of year.

Twelve Big Tips for Fishing Small Flies Sep 02, 2013

This week we’ll discuss 12 tips for fishing tiny dry flies, a topic of great interest this time of year. In the Fly Box we range from a good general Salt water outfit to clinch knots to night fishing with two flies to how much line to have out when you are waiting to make a cast to a visible fish. Based on suggestions from many podcast listeners, I’m starting a section about equipment and also a section on fly-fishing myths. We had tons of good feedback and suggestions on podcasts, and it was loud and clear that listeners don’t want a co-host but they do like interviews.

Doc Thompson and High Altitude Trout Fishing Aug 23, 2013

I have an interview with Doc Thompson, legendary New Mexico fly-fishing guide and an all-around great guy. Doc will share tips for finding and catching high-altitude trout in small streams. In the Fly Box, we range from foul-hooking fish to tying small flies to hooking and holding trout on tiny flies to guide etiquette to casting big streamers. And we’ve started a new feature where we talk about a couple of the red-hot fishing spots for this week.

Ten or More Tips on Fishing Pressured Trout, and Tom Asks for Your Help Jul 22, 2013

This week I offer 10 (actually 12 because I thought of a couple more as I was talking) tips on fishing pressured waters—those where trout get pestered all day long with different fly patterns. The logical course of action would to avoid those places, but the problem is that these waters are typically full of large wild trout and have great hatches—and these days because of the internet there are few secret trout streams. So pack up your fly boxes, resign yourself to seeing other anglers, and pay attention to your manners and courtesy. Catching a trout on a hard-fished river is as satisfying an accomplishment as catching 20 on a wilderness stream.

Lots of stuff in the Fly Box today, too. A loaded episode, for sure.

The Coming Carpocalypse Jul 11, 2013

This week I interview Adam McNamara of Orvis Portland in one of our continuing series of carp podcasts. As usual, I learned some hot new tricks (like how to imitate a clam with a fly!) and I am sure you will as well. Adam is the founder and organizer of Carpocalypse, one of the best carp events in the US. Also, to begin we talk lots of trout for those of you who turn down your noses at carp: how to tell the number of a fly line if it isn’t labeled, adding tippets to braided leaders, what to do about refusals to dry flies, using wading boots without waders, tips on grass carp (oops), and what I think about people “spot burning” unknown fishing spots on the internet—if you care what I think.

Ten Reasons You Need Local Knowledge Jun 19, 2013

This week we have a few fly box items on what to do after your fly drags, landing net decisions, and how to get by in a boat with two fly lines and only one reel (my advice—don’t go there). Our main topic this week is about the importance of local knowledge for any kind of fly-fishing trip and is titled “Ten reasons you need local knowledge” It’s actually mostly reasons and also a few tips, but you all know I can’t count.

Carpe Diem: An Interview with Carp Expert Dan Frasier Jun 10, 2013

This week we have a great interview with Dan Frasier, fly-fishing editor of Carp Pro magazine on—guess what? There are some terrific tips in this interview and here are a couple I had not heard of and will try on my next carp fishing trip. I am sure you will find some as well. In the Fly Box, we range from hooking shad to getting started in fly tying to picking the right leader length to fishing streamers in Europe. And I’m also asked about my top 10 saltwater flies for fishing anywhere is the world, so I will list them here as well as mention them in the podcast

1. Lefty’s Deceiver in chartreuse in size 1

2. Lefty’s Deceiver in olive and white in size 1

3. Clouser Minnow in original brown and white in size 4

4. Clouser Minnow in chartreuse and white in size 4

5. Gurgler (any color)

6. Surf Candy in size 4

7. Adams’ Bastard Crab in size 4

8. Puglisi Peanut Butter in purple and black in size 1/0

9. Simram in size 6

10. Cowen’s Albie Anchovy

Upstream or Down? May 28, 2013

This week we explore the topic of whether you should fish upstream or down, not only what direction you should move but also which way you present your fly. The podcast will tell you exactly which direction to fish every time you go out by using a simple formula (just kidding—did you really think it would be that easy?)

In the fly box we answer questions about setting the hook (again), what length rod to use (again), adding tippets to knotless leaders (again), what to do about minnows sinking your dry flies (aha! A new one and a fun one, too), and how to improve your roll cast by using a different line. I keep answering those repeated topics because it seems they are universal questions and sometimes a different question or slant on a question may make it more clear to listeners. Have fun!

Shad to the Bone May 06, 2013

This week there is a very special podcast offer that will save you money but you have to listen to find out and act before May 20. We also have a great podcast from the pied piper of urban fly fishing in the DC area, Dan Davala. He tells us all we need to know to catch shad, both hickory and American shad. The fly box section features questions about polarized sunglasses, fishing high water in small streams, morning or evening fishing, when to fish Flashback nymphs, and a couple tips on setting the hook. But before you listen get a pen and paper so you can write down that special offer code because it’s only fr podcast listeners and can’t be found anywhere else.

Tom's ten excuses for getting skunked and what you can learn from them Apr 15, 2013

This week, based on my experience of getting skunked trout fishing, I thought I would give you 10 reasons for getting skunked. I mainly concentrate on early season fishing—but these excuses are also good any time during the season!

In the Fly Box section we talk about :

-over-lining fly rods,-barbless hooks,-laying fish on the grass to photograph them,-matching leader with rod length,-rod and blank weights,-and some other fun stuff.

Questions this week came from as far away as Australia and the UK, and as close as Connecticut.

Fly Fishing 101 Apr 09, 2013

Got a family member or friend you want to help get into fly fishing? Check out our video for FREE fly-fishing classes at your nearest Orvis store and many authorized dealers!

Even More on Leaders and Your Questions Apr 02, 2013

This week in the fly box we discuss:

· How stocking affects wild trout

· Sinking lines

· Casting exercises

· Gripping a fly rod

· Tangles after dark

· Tom’s 5 favorite places to fish and the top 5 on his bucket list

In the main podcast, we do an extensive discussion of leaders—leader types, materials, , and how to modify your leader at streamside. It’s a good topic for a refresher as fishing season is upon us in most places—or almost upon us!

Your Questions and an Interview with Joey Maxim Mar 25, 2013

This week we have a full Fly Box (the only way to be at the beginning of the season!) and cover topics that range from how to store leaders to figuring out stream depths to safe handling of fish in cold water to fishing streamers with switch rods. And lots more. I even try to answer the question of whether I’d prefer to have 6 less expensive fly rods or three top-of-the-line ones. That question caused me some soul-searching and I waffled a bit—but who cares what I’d do anyway? To top it off, we have an inspirational interview with a 17-year-old fly fisher, Joey Maxim. Make sure you listen to all of the interview, because the story gets more interesting as we talk.

A Tribute to John Merwin and Lots of Listener Questions Mar 01, 2013

This week’s podcast ends on a somber note with the passing of our good friend and mentor John Merwin, one of the greatest voices in fly fishing. I think you’ll enjoy a few memories of John and the readings from a couple of his pieces. But up front we have a very full fly box—lots of e-mails and phone calls on casting problems, fly tying problems and solutions, picking tackle, and fishing nymphs.

The first fly-tying episode of the year Feb 11, 2013

This week I concentrate on fly tying questions (except for a short sidetrack on stream smallmouths) because I love talking about fly tying—and Orvis is offering a 20% discount on fly tying materials for the month of February 2013.

Listener Questions and an Interview with Author Richard Louv Jan 30, 2013

This week, in an addition to a long FLy Box section, I go a little off topic as I interview Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, who introduced the term Nature Deficit Disorder to the world, and has perhaps done more than anyone else in modern times raise awareness of how important it is to get ourselves and our children outside more often. He’s one of my role models and it was a great honor to interview him for the podcast. And, of course, we do talk about getting kids and grandkids out fishing and give you some tips on how to do it. This is a podcast you may want to recommend to friends who don’t fish, as it’s one of the most important things people can do for their children.

Lots of Listener Questions and Tom Interviews Orvis Chairman Leigh Perkins Jan 18, 2013

He’s the Everready Bunny—at 85 years old, and a recently replaced hip, Leigh Perkins still fishes and hunts 300 days a year. Although he retired as CEO of the Orvis Company in 1992, he’s still chairman of the board and one of our best field testers. He’s always the first one up in the morning and the last one to go to bed, and he lives his life surrounded by a bunch of hunting dogs. I was recently in Florida hunting wild quail and ducks with Leigh and got a chance to get some wisdom from him for a podcast. You’ll note by his answers that he’s one of the most optimistic people you’ll ever meet.

Fishing Tailwater Trout in Winter: An Interview with Jamie Rouse Jan 09, 2013

This week I interview Jamie Rouse, two-time Orvis Endorsed Guide award winner for superior service (as rated by our customers, not by us). Jamie gives us a very full lesson on fishing for tailwater trout during the winter, particularly on his home stream, the Little Red River in Arkansas. Jamie targets huge brown trout on the fly all winter long-and usually catches them-so it's worth a listen to pick up some valuable tips. I know I learned a lot in this podcast and I'm ready to get out on the water, even if the line does freeze in my guides.

It's the Habitat, Stupid Dec 28, 2012

My apologies for the lack of recent podcasts—Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a week of vacation made it necessary for me to concentrate on my day job as marketing director over the past few weeks. But this week we have a nice long podcast, including some detailed fly box topics on everything from choosing a fly reel to fishing droppers to using beads for steelhead. In the main part of the podcast is an interview I did with Dr. Aaron Adams of Bonefish Tarpon Trust on how to find saltwater fish on your own by knowing their habitat preference.

Best of Tom: Ten Tips for Targeting Large Trout Dec 09, 2012

This is a "Best of Tom" Episode from the Archives.

In this week's podcast I announce the winner of the Podcast Suggestion Contest, who won a signed copy of my latest book Essential American Flies. The topic is sure to be a crowd-pleaser to most of you--targeting bigger trout. In the podcast I give you 10 suggestions for targeting the biggest trout in a pool or in a stretch of river. There were lots of great suggestions in the podcast contest, and I used a couple for the short Fly Box section at the beginning of the podcast: How to cure the fall blues after a tough fishing season, and how to pack for a business trip where you might grab a few hours fishing. Plus a terrific tip on rigging dry droppers on our podcast request line from a listener in Georgia.

Best of Tom: Top Ten Tips for Winter Fly Fishing Nov 29, 2012

It's getting cold out there. Get the most of your time on the water this winter it with this popular episode from the archives.

Winter Fly Fishing Secrets: Big Streamers and Big Trout Nov 19, 2012

This week I interview our rod and reel designer, Shawn Combs, whose nickname around the office is Didymo (you have to listen to the podcast to find out why). Shawn is a streamer fanatic, and the best at streamer fishing for trout of anyone on our staff, so I asked him to tell all his secrets of fishing for late fall and winter trout with streamers. It’s an educational podcast for sure, but it’s also a fun one.

Even More on Catching East Coast Steelhead Nov 08, 2012

In our continuing steelhead series, we’ve moved a little further east and this week we cover the streams of New York and Pennsylvania. We don’t give specific recommendations on rivers, but Shawn Brillon, our resident Great Lakes steelhead, Spey casting, and fly tying expert, shares his knowledge on how to time your steelhead trips on Great Lakes tribs, tackle to use, when and how to swing flies, and how to fish egg flies and nymphs. It’s a long podcast with a substantial Fly Box section at the beginning, so sit back and relax and daydream about steelhead.

East Coast Steelhead Oct 11, 2012

This week we continue our coverage of steelhead with a podcast interview with Steve Kuieck on the basics of Great Lakes steelheading. Steve concentrates on the techniques used on his home waters in Michigan, but the advice he gives is valid for steelheaders in all the Great Lakes tributaries, as well as steelheading on the West Coast. And of course we cover the gamut with quick tips for listeners who have asked questions via e-mail and our podcast request telephone line—802-362-8800.

West Coast Steelhead Oct 01, 2012

This week we have a long podcast, well over an hour, because Damien Nurre of Deep Canyon Outfitters and I got all wound up about steelhead. We could have gone on for hours about tackle, reading water, fly selection, how to hook them, and how to time your trip properly. Damien gives some expert tips on how to catch steelhead and reminds us that it’s mostly a matter of luck and persistence. But that doesn’t mean we can’t stack the deck in our odds. Damien is an articulate and thoughtful angler and teacher with lots of solid tips, so if you fly fish for steelhead or if you’ve ever wanted to, here’s your chance to get some world-class information.

Ten True Tips for False Albacore Sep 14, 2012

This week’s podcast is timely—it’s on one of my very favorite fly-rod fish, the false albacore or little tunny (also known as albies, bonita, fat alberts, and boneheads). They are gorgeous, much faster than bonefish, and available from northern Cape Cod to Florida and throughout the Gulf Coast. Fall is the best time to fish for them close to shore, although in their southern range they can be caught on a fly year-round (you just might need a longer boat ride). There is no other fish I know if that causes such havoc with tackle and produces such idiotic and crazed behavior among anglers (and I include myself in that category).

One thing I neglected to mention in my podcast is the excellent book by Tom Gilmore titled False Albacore. It’s the only book written on the subject and a terrific resource. Get out there and sample a bit of this insanity yourself—you will never be the same.

Tom's Ten Tips for Fishing Low Water Aug 29, 2012

Unless you live in one of the rare parts opf North America that isn't in drought conditions this summer, or you've been lucky enough to be fishing tailwater waters with an abundance of cool water, you're probably faced with very tricky conditions. Trout fishing is not impossible this time of year, but you have to adjust your tactics to lower flows, clear water and paranoid trout.

We have LOTS of questions in the fly box this week which makes for a pretty long show.

Ten Listener Questions and Some Great Suggestions Aug 14, 2012

This week, I decided to answer 10 listener questions, sort of an enlarged fly box section. As a special bonus, I have three great suggestions from other listeners that I know you’ll benefit from. I won’t spoil all the surprises, but we talk about fly lines sinking, leaders twisting, fish getting away, fish getting hooked in the belly by mistake, and fish refusing flies. I won’t even come close to answering all these questions but I can at least give you some ideas to think about.

Carpacolypse- Interview with "The Carpmeister", Tim Daughton Jul 27, 2012

This week, after a special introduction from my son who visited the studio this week, two self-described carp addicts talk all about carp fishing, from finding them to presentation tactics to tackle and flies. I interview my co-worker Tim Daughton, who is by far the most experienced carp fly fisherman on our staff--to put it more precisely he's obsessed with carp fishing and will pass up trout fishing most times to chase carp. We've had lots of requests to do more podcasts on these very challenging fish, available to most people in urban and rural locations throughout the world. In the fly box, we ramble from how much to spend for a fly rod to when to replace a fly line to fishing in foul weather to a few steelhead tips. And a couple more.

Tenkara! A interview with Daniel Galhardo of Tenkara USA Jul 17, 2012

This week we're publishing an interview I did with Daniel Galhardo, founder and CEO of Tenkara USA, on guess what? Daniel was here to sample some of our Vermont small stream fishing, which he loved, and we had a ball fishing together. He explains Tenkara, whether he considers it fly fishing, and the basics of how to use a Tekkara outfit. In the fly box, we talk about dealing with fishing gear in hot weather, dries vs. emergers, and setting the hook on downstream fish.

Fly vs Spin: Pros and Cons of Each Jul 06, 2012

On this week's podcast, after a week on Cape Cod I'm prepared to tackle the subjetc of fly vs. spin, something I was reluctant to discuss before because I just have not used a spin rod much since I was a teenager. But we'll talk about the relative advantages of both methods of fishing, and when a diehard fly fisher might want a spin rod handy. In the short Fly Box topics this week, we further our discussion on releasing fish unharmed, where to position your rod when playing a fish, DT vs. WF lines, getting the fly line wrapped around the reel seat, and a few other goodies.

Ten Tips to Keep you from Lining Fish Jun 12, 2012

This week we explore a topic that has not been requested by a listener but is something that struck me over the past few weeks of fishing over some difficult trout. It's the concept of keeping your fly line away from fish, and it's an important issue in nearly every kind of shallow water fishing--from bonefish and tarpon and striped bass to trout and carp. I include 10 tips to help you keep from "lining" fish

Ten Tips for Warm Water Fly Fishing May 31, 2012

This week we're exploring the wide open world of warm water fly fishing, and not just for bass. We talk about landlocked stripers and gar and bowfin and northern redhorse--and especially shad and carp. Basically, it's about finding the fish and experimenting with retrieves--tackle and flies are the least of your worries. Most of us have some sort of warm water close to home, so it's like that old Stephen Stills song, "if you can't be with the one you love, honey, love the one you're with".

In the fly box, we answer phone calls about how to measure the length of a fly cast, how long lines, leaders and backing last, keeping fish for the table and when to fly and when to spin.

Fishing Tailwaters: An Interview with Dave Brown May 16, 2012

A great show this week!

I had the chance to sit down and talk with Simon Perkins, the newest addition here at Orvis Rod & Tackle about the Fly Fishing Film Tour as well as his own short film, Sipping Dries. We ran the trailer in the podcast feed a few weeks ago. As the main event, I interview my friend Dave Brown of Dave Brown Outfitters on fishing taiwaters, as it seems you guys can't get enough of this topic! In addition, I take a few questions from the podcast listener line.

We moved the podcast studio, again. As a result we have had some tech issues with the sound which kept us "off the air" last week. I think it's all worked out. Thanks for sticking with us!

Fifteen tips on Switching from Freshwater to Saltwater Fly Fishing Apr 30, 2012

This week, in preparation for the best months of saltwater fishing from Maine to Florida (May and June) we explore the idea of moving from freshwater to salt. Trout anglers are seldom prepared for the transition to saltwater fly fishing--although the equipment requirements are easy enough to understand and you only need a few extra knots, it's mainly the casting and the expectations that throw trout anglers a curve ball. There are 15 tips for making this transition easy and fun. Also in the Fly Box this week, we answer questions about the Surgeon's vs. Clinch knots, knots for attaching wire bite tippets, polarized sunglass colors, hook styles on nymphs, trout stream ettiquette, and how to balance a reel with a rod (or not).

The Effects of the Moon and Barometric Pressure on Fishing Apr 13, 2012

In this week's podcast I interview Captain Jim Barr from Rhode Island and we talk about the effects of barometric pressure changes and moon phases on fly fishing, both in Jim's arena of striped bass fishing and also on various freshwater species. If you're looking for easy answers you'll be disappointed, but I think you'll enjoy hearing us talk about the empirical observations we've made over the years. In the Fly Box section this week we discuss methods of weighting flies with non-toxic materials, why you catch bigger fish on worms than you do on flies, and an explanation of the term "turning over" a fly and what you can do to make sure your fly turns over.

20 Questions with Tom Rosenbauer Mar 31, 2012

Well, be careful what you wish for. Last week I whined that we weren't getting enough response from you on Fly Box questions, so in the past week we've been inundated! I thought I would try to answer the best 20 questions we got over the past week, both e-mails and phone calles. We received suggestions from Sweden and Los Ageles and Connecticut and South Dakota and everything in between last week. In our 20 questions podcast we'll explore overlining a fly rod, fishing giant warmwater rivers, how to store a leader between fishing trips, fishing without indicators, and whether to play a fish from the reel or by stripping--and lots of other goodies!

Trailer for the Film "Sipping Dry" Mar 30, 2012

Our own Simon Perkins has a film in this year's Fly Fishing Film Tour. We are going to have him on the show to discuss his film "Sipping Dry" in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out the trailer.

From the website at www.flyfilmtour.com:

There are plenty of addictions to get hooked on in the world of fly fishing. One of the most consuming is the obsession with the dry fly, which explains why anglers travel the globe in search of epic hatches and large trout rising on the surface. "Sipping Dry" takes you to a place many refer to as the "dry fly capital of the world"--the upper Missouri River near Craig, Montana. The film introduces a handful of characters who have altered their lives to revolve around this fishery and attempts to convey their infatuation with sipping trout, insane hatches, and the river they consider to be the ultimate in the world of dry fly fishing.

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Mar 22, 2012

In this week's podcast we first talk about nets and bluegills. I'm not getting many nice short, concise, specific questions for the Fly Box section so I haven't had many to answer lately. Please send your nagging questions to podcast@orvis.com or call me at 802-362-8800 and leave a message letting me know what you'd like to hear about. And in the main part of the podcast, Should I Stay or Should I Go? (what do you want to bet James will have some music to go along with that?) we talk about when to move and when to stay put, on everything from trout streamers, nymphs, and dries, to Atlantic salmon, bonefish, and steelhead.

Junk in the Trunk: Eggs, Worms and Scuds Mar 19, 2012

This week in the Fly Box we first talk about what to expect when fishing for king salmon in Alaska, the half hitch vs. the whip finish in fly tying, and etiquette on salmon rivers. Then, in the main event, we explore the fascinating world of what some people call "junk" flies--worms, eggs, and scuds.

These flies are fished like nymphs and are just as much a "match the hatch" situation as elegant mayfly nymphs (at least in my opinion).

13 Tips on Leaders Mar 09, 2012

In this week's fly box we talk about hook styles, casting on snow, and fly-fishing jargon. Then on to the main podcast, which is on the perenially popular subject of leaders: When to change tippets, how to modify your leader, the differences between the various types, fluoro vs. nylon, saltwater leaders described, and much more. It's a topic that is mystifying to many people and we hope we both intrigue and educate you this week.

On the Hunt for Redfish with Captain Dave Hunt Feb 15, 2012

This week we have a great interview on redfish (and also speckled trout and snook) with Captain Dave Hunt from Florida. In the Fly Box, we also talk about grayling, brass and tungsten beads, and about the question of whether the term 'dry fly rod" is valid today. Plus I tip our listeners off to an exciting new development on the web--but you'll have to listen to find out!

Trout- Hatchery vs Wild, Pressured vs Remote Waters Feb 07, 2012

In the fly box this week, we talk about where fly tying materials come from, getting wet flies to swing deeper, fishing logs, and fishing small flies under water. In the main topic, we discuss different kinds of trout and how to fish for them--hatchery vs. wild, and pressured trout streams vs. remote trout streams. We've had some great suggestions for podcast topics lately so keep them coming

How to Take Great Fishing Photos with Catch Magazine Editor Brian O'Keefe Jan 25, 2012

This week I have a special guest, Brian O'Keefe, who owns the fantastic electronic magazine called Catch Magazine, along with his business partner Todd Moen. Brian has been in the fly fishing business as long as I have, and he's one of the best fly-fishing photographers out there. He's traveled all over the world to photograph some of the most exotic fly fishing locations, as well as plenty of cool places closer to home. We ramble a bit about the old days, but the podcast is mainly about tips for the novice fly-fishing photographer. This podcast is longer than usual so I left out the usual Fly Box section, which will return next week. Lots of good questions these days so I have a good list of topics to cover!

Ten tips for Fishing Caddisflies Jan 20, 2012

The main part of the podcast this week is 10 Tips on Fishing Caddis hatches, some tips I’ve learned over the years for successfully (sometimes!) fishing caddis hatches. Caddisflies are one of the most abundant aquatic insects in trout streams, and the fishing can range from incredibly easy to downright frustrating. But trout almost always love to eat them so we need to pay attention. Also in this podcast we talk about bedraggled flies, tailwater insects, and one of my favorite subjects, using roadkills for fly tying.

15 tips For Setting up the Ultimate Fly Tying Bench Jan 10, 2012

This week I discuss a frequently requested podcast this time of year--how to set up your fly-tying area. I talk about what you need to get started and what tools and threads you should begin with. I also discuss storage and lighting and magnification and about how to stay organized. In the Fly Box section we have another tip for essential safety items in a fishing vest or pack, and the difference between Blue-Winged Olives and PMDs and Pale Evening Duns.

Tom's Ten Tips for Stocking your Nymphing Box Jan 03, 2012

We posted an episode a few weeks ago on how to best stock your dry-fly box. We had a number of requests for one on nymphing. Let us know what you think of this list!

Tom's Christmas List Dec 19, 2011

In this episode Tom gives his list of what you could get that angler, and angler-to-be at the last minute!

Tom's Ten Tips for Slimming down or Filling up your Fly Box Dec 08, 2011

This week we range in topics from toilet paper to bass leaders, but the main topic is one that is frequently requested: How to make sense of the thousands of patterns of dry flies into a reasonable number that will cover most of the hatches you encounter. I offer 10 tips on slimming down your fly box (or filling it up, depending on where you are in the game) plus my favorite dozen dry flies.

Video: The Parachute and Pile Casts Nov 25, 2011

Welcome to another installment of "Ask an Orvis Fly-Fishing Instructor," with Peter Kutzer. In this episode, Peter explains the differences between the parachute cast and the pile cast, both of which are slack-line casts that can be useful when you're fishing across conflicting currents or to a fish downstream. To make a parachute cast, you stop the rod high and keep the tip up while the fly and front of the line land on the water. This gives you a belly of line between the rod tip and the water. As your fly drifts downstream, you lower the rod tip, feeding line into the drift and maintaining contact with the fly. To make a pile cast, you shoot the line high again, but this time, you drop the rod tip to the water's surface in front of the fly, dragging the line downward. This causes the line to land in a pile, so the fly can dead-drift freely.

A Guide's Life- How to become one and what it's really like Nov 17, 2011

This week we do a podcast I've been looking forward to--an interview with a couple of top fly-fishing guides about what it's like to be a guide and how to get into guiding. Learn about how a guide prepares for their day, what they agonize over, and enjoy a few wild stories along the way.

Tom Rosenbauer's Ten Tips for Targeting Large trout Nov 09, 2011

In this week's podcast I announce the winner of the Podcast Suggestion Contest, who won a signed copy of my latest book Essential American Flies. The topic is sure to be a crowd-pleaser to most of you--targeting bigger trout. In the podcast I give you 10 suggestions for targeting the biggest trout in a pool or in a stretch of river.

There were lots of great suggestions in the podcast contest, and I used a couple for the short Fly Box section at the beginning of the podcast: How to cure the fall blues after a tough fishing season, and how to pack for a business trip where you might grab a few hours fishing. Plus a terrific tip on rigging dry droppers on our podcast request line from a listener in Georgia.

Nymphing Techniques from Across the Pond Nov 07, 2011

This week I interview George Daniel, past competitor in Team Fly Fishing USA and now head coach. The subject is European nymphing styles like Czech nymphing, Polish nymphing, French nymphing, and Spanish nymphing.

I've had a number of requests to talk about European nymphing so I called in one of the top American experts on these techniques. You'll learn the differences between these styles and under which conditions you use them, as well as how to rig for these very effective styles of catching trout and grayling on nymphs. These techniques are great to have in your bag of tricks when standard strike indicator and dry/dropper techniques aren't working.

More Fall Fly Fishing Secrets Oct 26, 2011

In the podcast this week, I go on a minor rant about the ethics of crowding on today's trout streams, and pretty much tell you if you don't like the crowds, take a hike (literally). I do give some suggestions on how to handle crowded situations if you have no other choice, but there is almost always another choice. And in the main part of the podcast, I share with you some fall fishing secrets. We have touched on this subject before, but since the last time I have received some more tips from all of you that I really shoudl share.

I also announce a very special contest for the best suggestion for next week's podcast. The prize is an autographed copy of my new book, The Orvis Guide to The Essential American Flies, which is a large format book with spectacular color photos

The Prince of Tides Oct 13, 2011

I'm always confused by the science and physics of tides and how they vary and how they influence fish in salt water. So I went right to the best source I know on all things saltwater related--Dr. Aaron Adams, director of Bonefish Tarpon Trust and one of my favorite fishing buddies. Fishing with him is like fishing with Mr. Wizard (excuse me for dating myself here) and Aaron does not disappoint in our interview. He takes the sceince behind tides and makes it clear and digestible to those of us who just like to fish in salt water. There are some specific tips for fly fishing related to tides as well, and Aaron suggests some ways that fly fishers in particular can use tide predictions to have more success on the water. It was a fun podcast for me as I learned a ton.

In the Fly Box, I also answer a listeners question about how and why tailwater rivers are different and some tips on fishing them.

12 Tips for Difficult Rises Oct 07, 2011

This week I discuss a dozen tips for taking difficult risers. We're not always fortunate to find consistently rising fish, but when we do it's a chess match that can be the most fascinating aspect of trout fishing. There are many tips to finally fooling a difficult riser, and surprisingly few of them involve choosing the correct fly. We also have Fly Box short items on some questions that came up from listeners regarding last week's podcast on small stream fishing. And by popular demand, we'll continue our sections on great fly-fishing books and cool products you might have missed.

Test your wits with my quiz on difficult rises here.

Five Big Tips for Small Streams Sep 28, 2011

In this week's podcast, we explore the world of small stream trout with 5 detailed tips (mainly because I was too lazy to organize more--actually there are probably about 20 tips included) that cover everything from what rod to use to how to find your own small stream.

There are tens of thousands of tiny trout streams in the United States, many of which never get fished or are fished infrequently, so it's a great place to get solitude and return to the essence of fly fishing. I also introduce two new items to the podcast, and we're looking for your feedback on these: a selected book of the week and "products you might have missed", a short section on handy fishing products that you might not have heard about. And, of course, we answer several questions in our popular "Fly Box" section

I am thrilled the podcast has grown so much, but I'm having a hard time keeping up with emails. I still want to hear from you, though as that is how we get material for the show! For podcast suggestions. please use the online forum at orvis.com/podcastfeedback or our voicemail line at 802-362-8800

Thanks for listening!

Steelhead East and West Sep 12, 2011

Steelhead are one of the most glamorous and frustrating fish you can catch with a fly rod. They are similar in behavior and fighting ability to Atlantic salmon, but whereas our fly fishing traditions for Atlantic salmon came from a more aristocratic background, fly fishing for steelhead evolved via a more populist tradition. Where can you fish for steelhead? What techniques work best? Are the fish from the Great Lakes a true steelhead or just a big rainbow trout, and how do fishing techniques for them differ? And how many steelhead can you expect to catch in a day's fishing? (in my experience, you should expect to catch zero and be pleasantly surprised).

Listen to this week's podcast and get some tips on steelhead fishing, and then visit our podcast forum to add your thoughts or suggest future steelhead podcast topics, as this is not the last of our steelhead podcasts for this season.

Tom's Tips on Fishing Spring Creeks with Special Guest Orvis Vice-Chairman Dave Perkins Aug 25, 2011

In this week's podcast, I'm joined by Dave Perkins, an old fishing and hunting buddy and also vice-chairman and one of the owners of Orvis. Dave , like me, is a spring creek fanatic and we talk about how spring creeks differ from freestone trout streams, what to expect on them, and where to find them. And of course we also discuss our favorite flies, leaders, and rods for fishing these very special trout streams. If you've never fished a spring creek, it's time to try one. And even if you never intend to fish one, the tips we give will be very helpful any time you find selective trout sipping in clear water.

In the Fly Box this week, we talk about why trout live in some streams and not in others, how to make a downstream presentation, and some tips on light-line rods.

Tom's Top Ten Tippet Tips Aug 16, 2011

For this week's podcast, the main event is Tom's Top Ten Tippet Tips, or just 5T for short (but no short jokes please). In this episode, I review tips on knots, types of tippet, how to attach tippets, when to shorten or lengthen a tippet, how to avoid kinky tippets, and a bunch more.

For the "Fly Box" section of short tips, I talk about some cool, new terms and tips I learned from fishing guides in Colorado and Montana over the past two weeks.

The Fishing Warm Water and Hiding New Gear from Your Spouse Episode Aug 04, 2011

Tom is out of town for a couple weeks, so he asked Pete Kutzer of our Ask a Fly Fishing Instructor video series and Brett Ference from our Double Barrel Podcast series to sit in.

We asked our Facebook and Twitter fans to suggest topics for them to cover and received over 130 suggestions!

Here are the topics they chose:

- How should a beginner go about choosing waders?

- Tips for fishin gfrom a float tube

- Is 7 years old too young to start a child fly fishing?

- When choosing a new rod, what should I consider?

- How do you best hide new fishing gear purchases from your spouse?

We also had A LOT of questions on fishing warm water, so Brett and Pete spend a lot of time on this topic.

Video: The Double-Haul Cast with Pete Kutzer Aug 02, 2011

In this lesson, Peter explains why the double haul is useful for adding distance to the cast and taking pressure off your casting arm and wrist. Then he demonstrates exactly what you need to do for a successful double haul, from the right timing to the proper length of your haul. You'll learn why this is not just a cast for saltwater anglers, too. Once you've got the basics down, it's time to put Pete's lessons to work by practicing on your own lawn.

Video: Casting into the Wind with Pete Kutzer Jul 28, 2011

Over on OrvisNews.com we have a regular series called ASK A FLY FISHING INSTRUCTOR. Here is one of the more popular videos on casting into the wind.

OrvisNews.com reader Dave S. asked:

I think I have a pretty decent casting motion, but the biggest issue I have is in the wind. I always get that tailing loop, and my leader knots up. I think it's more pronounced in the wind because I strain harder. What practice tips can you give me to help?

In this video, Peter demonstrates how to beat the wind by casting lower, angling the rod tip, and even making the cast backwards.

Peter has been a fisherman all his life, and he has a degree in outdoor education from Johnson State College. He's also a seriously good caster, and during his years working for Orvis he has seen it all.

Ten Steps to Getting Kids and Teens into Fly Fishing Jul 25, 2011

This week I give you a 10-step plan for getting a kid into fly fishing. These are proven methods based on my experience and that of others I've talked to in the course of researching a book called Family Friendly Fly Fishing that I'm working on. I've also added three additional tips for getting teenagers into fly fishing.

In the fly box items this week we talk about the old 10 o'clock to-1 o'clock casting technique, casting into the wind with big poppers and other bass flies, attaching a new fly line to backing that's already on a reel using a loop, and the correct size sink tip fly line to buy. and "new school" vs. "old school" fly fishing

The Joy of Swinging: How, Where and When to Do It Jul 21, 2011

This week I talk about swinging, and get your mind out of the gutter because it's not that kind of swinging. This is a family show.

We discuss the art and science of swinging flies for trout, salmon, and steelhead, one of the most relazing and elegant way of covering lots of water. It doesn't work all the time and in every type of water, so listen to the podcast to find out where and when to do it--and how to choose the right fly.

In the Fly Box questions this week we talk about using a 7-weight rod for trout, what an individual can do to make a trout stream better, invasive species, and how to catch bass in southern rivers in summer. Plus a note about an exciting new upgrade to our fishing reports where you can get a text message every time your favorite waters are updated.

Getting the Most out of Summertime Fly Fishing Jul 13, 2011

In this week's fly box, I mention a tip on mending line that I just got from a guide, a recommendation for how to choose a rod for nymphing, and 10 tips for reeling in and playing fish. For the main part of the podcast, I give some recommendations for high summer fishing--for having more fun, getting in more fishing time, and broadening your horizons.

Do you have a topic sugggestion? Join our podcast forum at www.orvis.com/podcastfeedback

12 Steps to Summer Dry Fly Fishing Jul 06, 2011

This week in the Fly Box section, we talk about rod actions, line sizes, sunscreen, and dry flies in high water. In the main event, we'll give you some tips on summer dry flies, as summer is prime time for fishing on the surface.

We have a new way to contact the podcast and share your podcast ideas. Go to www.orvisnews.com/podcast.aspx sign on with your Facebook login, and particpate in our online forum!

Matching the Hatch Part 2 - Five More Tips Jun 29, 2011

In the fly box section this week we discuss a couple tackle maintenance items (cork grips and fly lines) and some tips on how to learn from some "old school" techniques. In the main part of the podcast, we learn more about hatches and how to deal with them, especially on how to collect insect specimens and what to do with them once you've obtained them.

Ten Steps from Novice to Intermediate Jun 27, 2011

In this week's podcast we have a great phone call from Molly with some exciting news and in The FlyBox a tip on further refining your casting practice. For the main event, we explore the topic of moving from novice to intermediate fly fisher with some tips on how to get there.

Of Blue Damsels and Bamboo Girls Jun 07, 2011

In honor of the The American Museum of Fly Fishing's Graceful Rise Exhibit, we're celebrating Women in Fly Fishing this week. Tom is out, so we've asked Paul Fersen to read his story "Of Blue Damsels and Bamboo Girls".

Read more about the Graceful Rise Exhibit at http://www.orvisnews.com/Women-in-Fly-Fishing.aspx

Tom's Ten Tips for Identifying and Matching the Hatch Jun 02, 2011

This week in the fly box we address the color red in flies, post-flood fishing conditions, and what to do if you only have a few hours to fish. For the main event I give a brief guide to the major aquatic insects, how to identify what's hatching, and some strategies for fishing different types of insect hatches.

10 Tips for Preparing for a Day on the Water May 19, 2011

This week we answer a listener's question about a day in the life of an experienced fly fisher--but more how to prepare for a day than what he or she would actually do once on the water, which can vary greatly from day to day or on different kinds of waters. In this week's fly box, we talk about what color is most visible on attractor fly wings (you will be as surprised as I was!), how to pick the right reel seat, and what color to choose on attractor flies. Plus Phil Monahan updates us on the latest juicy bits from the Orvis blog.

The Ten Most Endangered Rivers in America May 17, 2011

American Rivers released its annual Orvis-sponsored Ten Most Endangered Rivers Report this week.

In this episode, Phil Monahan interviews David Moryc, Senior Director of River Protection at American Rivers about the list.

A (very) Brief History of Fly Flshing May 12, 2011

This week I give a brief and sorta rambling overview of fly-fishing history, which is difficult to do in a short podcast so I've included the names of a couple good books on the subject.

In this week's fly box, we have two casting tips, a word about "lining" fish, a short discussion of what to do when faced with crowded trout streams, and help when trying to detect a strike when nymph fishing.

Lots of little bits and pieces!

Dawn Patrol: Ten Tips (ok, eleven, but who's counting) for Early Morning Fishing May 06, 2011

In this week's podcast, the main event is The Dawn Patrol, on the pleasures, perils, and advantages of getting up as early as a turkey hunter to get some of the best fly fishing of the season. We'll discuss dawn fishing for trout, tarpon, stripers, bonefish, permit, and steelhead. In this weeks' fly box we'll explore small stream trout rods, a couple tips for fighting fish, and how to fish alongside your buddies.

Stillwater Fly Fishing Tips Apr 25, 2011

With many trout rivers into serious runoff this month, and more to come as western snows melt, listeners have been asking for an early season stillwater podcast. This week I was lucky enough to interview Phil Rowley, one of the most knowledgeable stillwater anglers in the world and co-host of "The New Fly Fisher" TV show on World Fishing Network. I know I learned a lot in the show and I am sure you will as well. As an added bonus, there are some extra video tips from Phil, courtesy of "The New Fly Fisher".

Video: Casting Heavy Flies into the Wind Apr 13, 2011

Welcome to our first installment of "Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor," starring our own Peter Kutzer. A couple weeks ago, we asked you to post some questions about your biggest casting problems. Reader "Phil" wrote, "Any tips you can give on casting heavily weighted flies would be appreciated," and "Dave R." asked a much more specific version of the same question:

When practicing with my 9wt with a piece of yarn tied to my leader (9' tied with 54" 40#, 18" 30# and 18" 15# tippet. All Maxima Ultra Green) I can cast consistently to 50' and beyond. But when I tie on a weighted fly ( clouser size 1 hook with small eyes) my line and leader seem to pile up and I have problems getting past 40'.

So, cameraman Eric Weisledder and I met Peter at the casting ponds beside the Orvis Retail Store in Manchester, Vermont, so he could offer some tips on casting a heavy fly in the wind. Aside from being an excellent caster and teacher, Peter turns out to be a natural in front of the camera. And check out the way he nonchalantly switches hands to demonstrate the oval cast.

If you've got more questions for Peter, post them on our Facebook page, and we'll address each casting problem in a new video.

12 Tips for Fishing Spring Runoff Apr 08, 2011

In this week's podcast, 12 tips for Fishing Spring Runoff, I give a number of valid excuses for getting skunked during spring runoff, and what you can do if faced with high, cold, muddy water. In the Fly Box section, I talk about fly rod design, fishing pressured waters, and the reality of fly-fishing magazine articles and TV shows. Plus a great tip for threading flies from a listener who left a message on our Podcast Message Line at 802 362 8800.

Ten Tips on Fishing a New Trout Stream Mar 31, 2011

This week we have a couple of interesting fly box items--one on reeling right or left hand, and the other on how to dress for fly fishing. The main podcast is about evaluating a new trout stream to figure out how fast to move, what fly to use, and how rich the stream is. I also include a shameless plug for my new book Small Stream Trout Fishing.

Video: Fly Fishing for Pike Part 2 Mar 23, 2011

We have a very exciting podcast for you this week. Many of you have asked for a pike podcast, and we've delivered what I think is one of our best presentations in two parts.

Part 1 is an audio interview I conduct with pike expert Drew Price, where he goes into great detail on where, when, and how to catch pike. Also in part 1, we have some tips in the Fly Box section on fishing CDC flies, choosing one rod for bass and trout, and how to get your nymph deep in small plunge pools.

Part 2 is a video where we have tips on pike fishing (along with some shots of nice pike caught on a fly), courtesy of The New Fly Fisher TV show, the best how-to fly fishing show on TV right now (it's on World Fishing Network and some PBS stations).

I know I learned a ton from interviewing Drew and watching the video and can't wait to get at the pike this spring.

Leave us comments on this show at www.orvisnews.com/flyfishing/flyfishingforpike.aspx

Fly Fishing for Pike Part 1 Mar 23, 2011

We have a very exciting podcast for you this week. Many of you have asked for a pike podcast, and we've delivered what I think is one of our best presentations in two parts.

Part 1 is an audio interview I conduct with pike expert Drew Price, where he goes into great detail on where, when, and how to catch pike. Also in part 1, we have some tips in the Fly Box section on fishing CDC flies, choosing one rod for bass and trout, and how to get your nymph deep in small plunge pools.

Part 2 is a video where we have tips on pike fishing (along with some shots of nice pike caught on a fly), courtesy of The New Fly Fisher TV show, the best how-to fly fishing show on TV right now (it's on World Fishing Network and some PBS stations).

I know I learned a ton from interviewing Drew and watching the video and can't wait to get at the pike this spring.

Leave us comments on this show at www.orvisnews.com/flyfishing/flyfishingforpike.aspx

15 Tips for Fishing the Evening Hatch Mar 14, 2011

Tom takes another great podcast suggestion from our voicemail line and turns it in to our longest episode yet at just over an hour. It's packed with 15 tips for fishing the evening hatch.

Have a suggestion or a comment? Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com, LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/orvisflyfishing or call us at 802-362-8800.

The Laryngitis Largemouth Bass and Panfish Episode Mar 04, 2011

Tom talks a lot, and it finally caught up with him He has a bit of larygitis this week, but takes one for the team and answers a phone request for a largemouth bass episode.

In the fly box: Do fish see color? We also take a phone request for a series on fishing different regions of the United States and beyond.

15 Tips on Sight Fishing for Stripers Feb 22, 2011

This latest podcast is another suggestion from our tip line at (802) 362-8800. Tom had a lot of tips for sight fishing for stripers and shares all 15 here.

Did he miss anything? Call us at the nuimber above. email us at podcast@orvis.com. go to www.facebook.com/orvisflyfishing or find this blog in the February 2011 archive on OrvisNews.com.

Gear Maintenance in the Off-Season and Ten Tips for the Aging Angler Feb 15, 2011

Tom shares his off-season routine for gear mainteance and answers our first voicemail request for tips for the older angler. These tips apply to a lot of us, though, so it is a good listen all around.

Call us at 802 362 8800 for comments and suggestions, drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/orvisflyfishing !

An Urgent Message from Tom Feb 10, 2011

We now have the best chance ever of stoppiing Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska.

BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP

First: listen to this podcast

Then:

Go to http://www.orvisnews.com/protectbristolbay.aspx and click the TAKE ACTION link.

Full Circle by Paul Fersen Feb 01, 2011

We're giving Tom a day off and have asked resident author Paul Fersen to read a story he wrote about for Gray's Journal called Full Circle.

Tom's Ten Tips on Winter Fly Fishing Jan 28, 2011

It's cold out there... get the most out of it with these tips from Tom.

One of you will be the MILLIONTH download of this podcast. Thank you so much for your loyalty. We're having a good time and we're glad you are, too.

Leave comments on our blog at www.orvisnews.com/flyfishing/winter2011.aspx

Leave us a voicemail at 802-362-8800 with a suggestion for the show or drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com

Somewhere in the Neighborhood of Six Tips on Sinking Lines - A black Diamond Episode Jan 21, 2011

Tom goes into great detail in this podcast on sinking lines. This is advanced stuff, but plenty for everyone here.

In the FLY BOX section, Tom touches on how to remove ice from the guides on your rod, casting around objects and gives a couple pointers on choosing a good fishing guide.

Six Tips on Emergers- A Black Diamond Episode Jan 13, 2011

You folks have requested some more advanced topics and Tom comes through with a long, detailed podcast on fishing emergers.

Go to www.orvisnews.com/flyfishing/emergerspodcast.aspx to ask Tom questions about this episode and add anythign he may have forgotten!

The First 30 Feet Jan 04, 2011

Casting that first thirty feet of line out can sometimes be tricky. Tom has some easy tips for the advanced and beginner angler alike, so you can false cast less and fish more.

Lessons Learned the Hard Way with Simon Perkins Dec 22, 2010

Montana fly-fishing guide, Simon Perkins is back home in Vermont for Christmas and joins Tom for a podcast on lessons learned the hard way. It's the mistakes that make us wise, if we learn from them. Learn from Tom and Simon's mistakes so you dont have to make them yourself!

Traveling with Fly Gear Dec 15, 2010

Tom takes the mystery out of packing for your next trip telling you what you need, what you don't and what you REALLY shouldn't forget to bring.

He also shares his top five flies for fresh and saltwater.

The Top Five Casting Mistakes Revisited Dec 09, 2010

In this episode, Tom is joined by Peter Kutzer of the Orvis Fly Fishing School to revisit a subject that we have covered in the past, but is still requested: common casting mistakes. We've all made them, in this podcast learn how to identify and fix them.

Trout Unlimited Podcast: Sea Run Brook Trout Dec 08, 2010

Chris Wood, TU’s President and CEO, talks with Massachussetts TU volunteer Warren Winders about sea-run brook trout and why a small stream in the midst of a cranberry bog in Massachusetts is key to this population of sea-run brook trout.

The Go East, Go West Podcast Dec 02, 2010

Tom covers a lot of material in this podcast. In the "Fly Box" section, he compares and contrasts vests vs chest packs vs waist packs vs sling packs, he covers how best to keep your flies floating (and reveals his secret) and then answers a question about realistic vs impressionistic flies.

The main topic of this podcast, though is what easterners can expect when taking a fishing trip west and what westerners can expect when making a trip east. What are the differences? How can you best prepare?

The Trout Unlimited Podcast- Genetically Modified Trout? Dec 01, 2010

Jack Williams Chris Wood, TU’s President and CEO, talks with TU’s senior scientist, Jack Williams, about the looming possibility that the Federal Drug Administration will give approval to genetically modify salmon for human consumption. Could trout be the next animal to be genetically modified for food?

Trout Unlimited Podcast- Upcoming Important Legislation for Anglers Nov 23, 2010

Chris Wood, TU’s President and CEO, talks with Steve Moyer, TU’s Vice President of Government Affairs, about upcoming legislation that is important to sportsmen. Steve gives an insider’s look into lobbying in Washington, D.C.—how it works and how people who care about trout and salmon can make their voices heard.

Fly Tying 101 Nov 19, 2010

As Tom was sitting down to tape this episode we got an email from a listener that made us all smile regarding his daughter's first fly. Tom reads it in this episode and tt was good timing as Tom lays out the basics of what you need to get into fly tying as a great addition to your fly fishing experience... but don't get into it thinking you're going to save money on flies!

Good lighting, a comfortable seat, reading glasses and this podcast episode are a great start to a rewarding, lifelong hobby.

Trout Unlimited Podcast - An Interview with Sharon Lance Nov 17, 2010

Chris Wood, TU’s President and CEO, chats with Colorado Volunteer, Sharon Lance, about conservation issues in Colorado, why it’s important to get kids involved in fly fishing and why its never a good idea to have your spouse teach you how to fish.

Access Fly Rod Giveaway Podcast- Teaching Fly Fishing to Beginners Nov 12, 2010

Wow! About 250 entries and over 500 votes in our first podcast giveaway contest to win an Access Fly Rod! Congrats to troutbumpk!

In this episode, Tom gives some tips on teaching others to fly fish and also introduces a new segment to the show: The Flybox. We get a lot of requests that can't quite fill a whole podcast, so Tom is going to address those in this new segment!

Tell us what you think! Email us at podcast@orvis.com, come by OrvisNews.com and leave a comment on the blogs, tweet us @OrvisFlyFishing or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/orvisflyfishing

Five Ways to Avoid Embarrassment on the Flats Nov 04, 2010

In this episode, Brett Ference from the Orvis Double Barrel Podcast is jealous of Tom's download count so he drops by to boost his numbers a bit.

Tom and Brett discuss pointers for bonefishing: Know how to tell time, communicate with your guide, and DON'T TROUT STRIKE are among the tips here.

Think Tom should have Brett on more often? Let us know on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/orvisflyfishing or by emailing us at podcast@orvis.com.

Don't forget to check out our blog at www.orvisnews.com !

Trout Unlimited Podcast- The Western Water Project Nov 02, 2010

Chris Wood, TU's President and CEO, interviews Scott Yates, TU's Director of the Western Water Project. Together, they discuss the various water challenges that exist in various Western states and talk about how TU works to achieve a balance that is good for landowners and fish.From river flows to irrigation, their conversation touches on some of the hottest current water debates in the West.

Comparing and Contrasting Wild and Stocked Trout Behaviors and How to Fish Them Oct 28, 2010

Tom gets downright professorial in this information-packed episode on the differences in stocked vs wild trout and the different approaches in fishing them. A fascinating episode, bound to become one of your favorites.

Check us out online at OrvisNews.com!

The Trout Unlimited Podcast - Hydrofracking the Marcellus Shale Oct 26, 2010

Phil Monahan of OrvisNews.com has called the development of gas resources in the Marcellus Shale the "Pebble Mine of the East."

Hear Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited, and his guest, TU's Elizabeth Maclin, VP for Eastern Conservation discuss what the Marcellus Shale project entails, what "hydro-fracking" is and the potential impact on coldwater resources of Northern Appalachia.

Purposeful Solitude: Special Guest Paul Fersen Reads MOVING WATER Oct 21, 2010

Tom is out this week, so we asked resident author Paul Fersen to read from a recent piece he wrote for American Angler magazine on fishing for bass off Cape Cod.

Trout Unlimited Podcast - TU and Field & Stream's Best Wild Places Tour Oct 12, 2010

This summer, Trout Unlimited partnered with Field & Stream to showcase the Best Wild Places in America. The tour highlights six spots out West where people can experience some of the best hunting and fishing and most spectacular wilderness in the country. By fishing and hunting in these places, the goal is to inspire people to visit these places--all of which are located on public land.

Also, we hope to raise awareness about how special these places are so that they may receive the protection they deserve. Each one of the places on the tour faces some threat--development, energy disputes, or other threats that has the potential to rob future generations from the chance to experience the landscapes and wildlife. In this podcast, TU's President and CEO, Chris Wood, talks with Chris Hunt, of TU's Sportsmen's Conservation Project, about the tour.

Fall Fly Fishing Tips for Eastern and Western Anglers Oct 11, 2010

In this episode tom is joined in teh studio by Trout Unlimited's cable show ON THE RISE host Jed Fiebelkorn to discuss tips for anglers in both the eastern and western United States.

This is a repost from earlier today due to a technical error in the last upload.

Three and a Half Tips on Fly Fishing for Steelhead Oct 06, 2010

Tom has three big tips for fly fishing for steelhead on location, timing and presentation. He has what he calls a half a tip on tackle.

Leave us comments on OrvisNews.com and on our Facebook page at facebook.com/orvisflyfishing!

The Trout Unlimited Podcast - Trout in the Classroom Oct 05, 2010

It's back to school--and TU's program, Trout in the Classroom, is part of the curriculum in hundreds of schools around the country. The program helps children learn about trout and conservation by raising trout in aquariums. In this podcast, TU President and CEO Chris Wood talks with two TU volunteers in New York state about their experience teaching children about the wonders of trout and their life cycles. Stacey Weirl is a physical education teacher who teaches kindergarten through fifth grade at the Fox Meadow Elementary School in Scarsdale, New York. Also joining Chris is a longtime TU volunteer, John Genovesi. John is the past president of the Croton Watershed TU chapter and directs the Trout in the Classroom program in Westchester County, New York. For more information about Trout in the Classroom, go to http://www.troutintheclassroom.org/

Tom Rosenbauer's Five Tips on River Access Sep 30, 2010

River access is a hot issue. In this episode tom gives his 5 tips on stayign legal and getting access to land you may otherwise have skipped.

Don't forget to check out OrvisNews.com! We're blogging on fly fishing, conservation, dogs, travel, and more at www.orvisnews.com

The Trout Unlimited Podcast - Restoring the Mighty Penobscot Sep 28, 2010

We are adding a new feature to the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast by partnering with Trout Unlimited to bring you updates on their conservation programs. Tom is a huge fan of Trout Unlimited and Orvis has been a long-time partner in their efforts to restore and protect coldwater fisheries.

In this episode TU president CEO Chris Wood interviews Jeff Reardon about restoring the Penobscot River. Involving miles and miles of river and multiple dam removals, this is the largest project of its kind in history.

We hope you enjoy this new feature of The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast. Let us know what you think on our Facebook wall at facebook.com/orvisflyfishing or by dropping us a line at podcast@orvis.com.

Fly Fishing Pocket Water Sep 24, 2010

Fly fishing in pocket water can be challenging, but it also provides a lot of opportunity. Make a stealthy approach and keep your casts short to avoid drag.

The Saltwater Fly Fishing in the Fall, Bait Fish Migration Podcast Sep 17, 2010

We haven't done a salt episode in a while... and we know a whole bunch of you folks fish salt. Tom's favorite time of year to do so is in the fall. Here are some great tips he's learned over the years.

100th Epsiode - The Fly Fishing with Streamers Sep 01, 2010

It took 100 episodes to get here, but Tom is finally giving you the streamers podcast so many have requested! A TON of information in this episode. I bet you listen more than once to this one.

Drop us a line on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook and let us know how we're doing and reccomend future topics for the show!

Releasing Small trout Aug 26, 2010

Small fish need to be handled very carefully so as to avoid permanently disfiguring them or worse. In this episode, Tom tells you how he learned this lesson the hard way.

Backcast Episode- Tom's Ten Tips on Fly Fishing at Night Aug 16, 2010

This is a Backcast Episode from August 16, 2010. Fly-fishing at night is a lot of fun, but you have to change up your game a bit.... and yes occasionally you might hook a bat. Tom has ten (or so) tips on fly fishing after dark. Come by our Facebook page at orvis.com/facebook and tell us some of yours.

Floatant, Lenses and the Flex Index Aug 09, 2010

In this podcast, Tom talks about the different kinds of floatant for dry flies, what sunglasses work best for fishing and explains the flex index and how you can use it to choose the right fly rod for you.

Video: Orvis Fly Fishing App Available on iTunes Aug 09, 2010

We made this video as a sneak peek of our app for podcast listeners. The app went live before we could get this video to you! It is available now and you can read more on our website at http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?dir_id=758&subject=7752

The Long-Awaited Carp Podcast Aug 04, 2010

Countless requests for this one! They fight hard, they're fussy, and they are getting more and more popular. Tom talks fly fishing for carp.

How Weather Affects Fly Fishing Jul 27, 2010

Tom talks weather in this podcast and how it can impact your day on the water. We also want to thank all of you for making July 2010 a record setting month for us with over 50,000 downloads of The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide! Thanks so much!!

Repost: Tom's Tips on Nymphing Jul 22, 2010

Tom is out of town this week, so we are reposting what has proved to be a favorite on nymphing.

Fish can be amazingly fussy about the speed and depth of their prey, even if the fly pattern is right. Everything you do in nymph presentation should strive to keep your fly at a trout’s level as long as possible and at a speed that does not arouse suspicion.

Tom has great tips on nymphing in this podcast, and you can read more at www.orvis.com/nymphs.

If you have a suggestion for a future podcast, would like to make a comment or subscribe to this podcast, please visit www.orvis.com/podcast.

Seven Tips for Still Water Fly Fishing Jul 15, 2010

A longer rod and a longer leader are a good start... Tom goes into great detail on how to catch more fish on lakes and ponds.

Tom's Ten Tips For When There's No Hatch to Match Jul 09, 2010

What do you do when you can't match the hatch and no one on the water is catching any fish? Tom tells you the things he does that may help you, too.

Also, we have a new iPhone app coming out soon... Tom reviews the features.

Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook

Trout Unlimted's CEO Chris Wood takes Your Questions Jul 02, 2010

Tom sits down with the new CEO of Trout Unlimited, Chris Wood and asks him questions posted to him by fans of our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook.A GREAT interview addressing the future of TU, getting more people into the sport and, of course, public access.

Reading the Rise Jun 16, 2010

What does a splashing rise tell you about how a fish is feeding vs a sipping rise? Do you cast right away to a rising trout? If not, then when? In the most recent episode of The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast with Tom Rosenbauer, Tom tells you how to read the rise to better gauge and predict a trout's behavior.

Seven Tips on Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass Jun 10, 2010

As water starts to warm up around the country, bass fishing is heating up, too. In the most recent episode of the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast, Tom gives seven tips on catching more smallmouth bass including his favorite fly.

Have a comment or a suggestion for a future podcast? Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or leave a comment on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook

Video: Tom's Big Break Jun 07, 2010

Tom's been working on a big project for the CEO of Orvis and can't wait to show him the result... www.orvis.com/flies

How Many Fly Rods Do You Really Need? Jun 02, 2010

So how many fly rods do you really need? What is the perfect all-around rod? Is there such a thing? Tom answers listeners' most frequent questions on choosing a fly rod in the most recent episode of The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast with Tom Rosenbauer.

Have a suggestion or question? Drop us a line on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook or email us at podcast@orvis.com.

Tom's Ten Tips for Saltwater Fly Fishing May 26, 2010

In saltwater fly fishing the fish are bigger, they fight harder and your approach needs to be different. Tom gives ten tips for saltwater fly fishing in this podcast.

Have a suggestion? Drop by our Facebook page at orvis.com/facebook or email us at podcast@orvis.com.

Ten Tips for Better Line Control May 21, 2010

Tom thinks even the best casters can sometimes use a little help when it comes to line control. In this podcast he gives his top ten tips for what to do once your line hits the water. Have a suggestion fo the podcast? Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on Facebook at orvis.com/facebook.

The Dragonslayer: An Interview with Master Fly Tyer Gary Martineau May 13, 2010

In this episode of The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast, Tom sits down with master fly tyer, Gary Martineau. His fly patterns have been fished all over the world and he shares some of the secrets of fishing his flies to the greatest success in this podcast.

Gary is a lifelong fly fisher, rod builder, and innovative fly tyer whose Heavyweight Stonefly pattern is the best-selling fly ever sold in the 43 year history of The Orvis News. A former research biologist for Vermont Fish & Wildlife, he lives in northern Vermont.

Have a comment or suggestion for a future podcast? Drop by our Facebook page at orvis.com/facebook, or email us at podcast@orvis.com.

A Detailed Lesson on Nymphing with Dave Perkins May 06, 2010

In this podcast, Tom is joined in our new podcast studio by Dave Perkins, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Orvis Company for a technical and detailed talk on nymph fishing.

Do you have anything to add? Visist us on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook or drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com.

The Stealth Podcast Apr 29, 2010

In this episode, Tom gets sneaky and gives tips on avoiding detection on the water... if you spook fewer fish, you catch more fish... pretty simple. Some good tips in here from color of clothing to the use of indicators.

Come by our Facebook page and drop us a line or write to us at podcast@orvis.com with suggestions for future episodes.

VIDEO: How to Choose a Great Fishing Lodge for Your Next Trip Apr 26, 2010

This is a special edition of the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast. Not only is it a video episode, we have special guest Paul Fersen, author of Great Fishing Lodges of North America to talk about what makes a great fishing lodge.

You can purchase Paul's book online at www.orvis.com/greatfishinglodges

Let us know what you think of this video by dropping us a line at podcast@orvis.com or by visiting us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook.

15 Tips on Early Season Trout Fishing (plus two more) Apr 20, 2010

Being early in trout season, Tom wanted to give a few pointers on early season trout fishing... then thought of a few more... then a few more. His list eventually reached 15 tips and as if that were not enough, he added two more suggestions at the end of this podcast. Did he miss any? Drop us a line on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook or by emailing us at podcast@orvis.com

Tom's Ten tips on Leaders and Tippets Apr 09, 2010

We get more quetions on leaders and tippets than any other topic. Tom picks ten emails he has received and answers your questions in this episode of The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast.

Give us a suggestion for a future podcast at www.orvis.com/facebook or by dropping us a line at podcast@orvis.com

8 Tips for Fly Fishing with Classic Wet Flies. (and an apology to bamboo afficionados) Mar 31, 2010

Attention bamboo rod fanatics: we heard you! Tom responds to some feedback we received on one of our more popular podcasts on bamboo vs graphite and gives eight great tips on fishing classic wet flies... then throws in a bonus tip.

Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on Facebook at Orvis.com/facebook to leave comments and suggest futire podcasts!

Corrected Post: All About Lining your Switch Rod Mar 25, 2010

The last post was titled incorrectly as about SPEY lines. This podcast is actually about lining SWITCH rods.

We have had a lot of questions emailed to us and posted on our wall on Facebook regarding how to properly line a switch rod. It's complicated and confuses even those of us who do this for a living. For this podcast, Tom brought in one of the most knowledgeable people in the industry on the subject, Bill Reed, Director of Wholesale for The Orvis Company and our resident line expert. Get a pen and paper and be ready to take notes, there is a TON of information in this podcast.

Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook with suggestions or comments!

Tom's Top Ten Tips for Wading Safety Mar 16, 2010

Wading can be a relaxing and then sometimes exhilarating experience. It can also be dangerous if you do not follow some simple safety guidelines. Tom gives his top ten wading safety tips in this podcast.

Did he miss any? Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on our facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook.

Felt Soles vs Rubber Soles and the Invasive Species Issue Mar 05, 2010

Tom gives the Orvis stance on felt sole wading boots, the rubber sole alternative and talks about how to responsibly address the invasive species issue.

Have a suggestion for the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast? Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook.

Five Random, Unrelated Fly Fishing Tips Feb 25, 2010

We get a lot of requests for podcasts on topics that only take a few minutes and would not warrant a full episode. So Tom put together five unrelated, small tips into this on podcast.

Have a suggestion for the podcast? drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit on us on Facebook at orvis.com/facebook.

Bamboo Fly Rods vs Graphite Fly Rods Feb 12, 2010

Wow... you guys really wanted this one! We had a whole lot o requests for a podcast on graphite vs bamboo. Tom goes into great detail on the benefits of each and gives us some good bamboo maintenance tips.

Join us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook and leave us a comment or suggestion for a future podcast. You can also email us at podcast@orvis.com or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/orvispodcast

Casting into the Wind Featuring Orvis CEO Perk Perkins Feb 04, 2010

Fly fishers biggest fear: casting into the wind. In this episode fortunate enough to have Orvis CEO Perk Perkins join him for a lively back and forth on different ways to deal with windy days on teh water.

Have a suggestion for the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide? Email us at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook.

Video: The New Mirage Reel from Orvis! Jan 25, 2010

Check out the New Mirage Reel from Orvis featuring Conway Bowman!

Ten Fly Fishing Tips for When you First Get to the Water (but this one goes to 11) Jan 22, 2010

Here is a great checklist for new fly fishers and veterans for when you first get to a river. Check the temperature, take your time getting into the water and don't be afraid to change your location! Have a suggestion for the podcast? Email us at podcast@orvis.com or join us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook.

Landing Big Fish from a Boat with Guest Steve Hemkens Jan 14, 2010

Tom has pulled in another guest for this podcast on landing big fish from a boat. Tom and Steve fish together a lot and tom knows Steve has a lot of technique to share on this topic. This is a fun podcast with a lot of information!Have a suggestion for a future podcast? let us know at www.orvis.com/facebook or email us at podcast@orvis.com.

Fly Fishing Tailwaters and Jan 08, 2010

The temperatures in a tailwater and available food make for bigger trout and really good good fly fishing. Tom has some great pointers in this podcast and then answers some questions regarding fishing egg and worm patterns... or what some call "junk" flies. Tom does not agree with that name, and tells us why.Drop us a line on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook with a suggestion for a future podcast or send us an email at podcast@orvis.com.

All About Floating Lines with Jim Lepage, VP of Orvis Rod & Tackle Dec 30, 2009

Tom has been getting requests for a podcast on floating lines. Feeling like he could use a little more education on the subject himself, he called in Jim Lepage, Orvis Vice-President of Rod and Tackle to help address questions on their use and care. Things get really detailed in this podcast... a must-hear for the techies!Drop us a line with a suggestion for a future podcast at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook.

Tom Rosenbauer's Top Ten Bonefishing Tips and One Bonus Freshwater Tip Dec 17, 2009

Up here in Vermont, it's getting darker earlier and a heck of a lot colder. It does not take much for the mind to drift to thoughts of the Bahamas and bonefish. Tom has ten great tips for bonefish anglers of every level and throws in a quick freshwater tip by request.Visit us on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook to leave a suggestion on our wall or drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com

Video: NEW Sonic Seam Waders from Orvis Dec 11, 2009

Check out this video of our groundbreaking, patent-pending, and exclusive sonic-welded seam fly fishing wader technology that eliminates threads that can wear out and stitch holes that, over time, can eventually cause leaks. Find out more - http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=9X8R

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More Winter Fly Fishing Tips from Tom Rosenbauer Dec 10, 2009

The snow arrived this week in Vermont and reminded Tom that he had more tips to share with us on fly fishing in winter. Grab your hot chocolate and take notes... there's a LOT of good stuff in this episode. Have suggestions for a future podcast? Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook.

Video: Tips from Orvis on Stopping the Spread of Invasive Species Dec 07, 2009

Orvis Product Developer Tim Daughton with the three rules of stopping the spread of invasive species: Inspect, Clean and Dry

How to get Kids into Fly Tying Dec 01, 2009

We get LOTS of requests asking us how to get kids into fly fishing. Tom thinks the best way is to get them interested in fly tying first.In this podcast he tells us how to do just that.Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com with suggestions for future podcasts or visit us on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook

Double Barrel's Favorite Duck Recipes Nov 30, 2009

This will be the last episode of Double Barrel that will piggyback on the Fly Fishing Guide Podcast's feed. We hope you will subscribe to Orvis Double Barrel on iTunes by searching for Orvis or by going to www.orvis.com/podcast In this episode of The Double Barrel Brett is joined by VP of Orvis Rod & Tackle and author of The Orvis Guide to Great Sporting Lodge Cuisine, Jim LePage. Jim and Brett discuss their favorite ways to prepare duck. Have a suggestion for a future podcast? Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on our Facebook page at orvis.com/facebook.

The Swine Flu Survivor Steelhead Madness Podcast Nov 13, 2009

Tom has returned from a very nasty bout with H1N1 to record a podcast episode on our most requested podcast topic so far: STEELHEAD! It's possible that no other topic can inspire as much discussion among anglers as fly fishing for steelhead. Tom's take on technique is "if it's legal, it works for you and you're having fun, it's all good." Whatever you style, Tom has some great tips in this podcast! Send us a suggestion for a future podcast at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on Facebook at orvis.com/facebook.

Double Barrel: Using Trap and Skeet Shooting as Practice for the Field Nov 09, 2009

In this episode, Bruce and Brett discuss how to best use your time shooting skeet or clays as practice for the field.

Drop us aline at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on Facebook at orvis.com/facebook to suggest a topic!

Five Reasons So Many Flies Exist in the World Nov 05, 2009

As suggested by listeners on our Facebook page, Tom gives five reasons there are so many flies and fly variations out there to choose from. He also tells us his favorite, go-to fly.Send us your suggestions for a podcast to podcast@orvis.com or visit us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook ReDownload this podcast directly here: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Five_Reasons_There_Are_So_Many_Flies_In_The_World.mp3

Tom Interviews Trout Unlimited's Whit Fosburgh Oct 27, 2009

Whit Fosburgh, Chief Development Officer at Trout Unlimited was meeting with Tom today and we convinced him to sit down for an interview for the podcast. Whit gives us a brief overview on TU's goals for the coming year.Want to hear more interviews on the podcast? Let us know on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook or by sending us an email at podcast@orvis.com.Download this podcast directly at http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Tom_Interviews_Trout_Unlimiteds_Whit_Fosburgh.mp3

Three Tips Regarding Fly Fishing Rods and Line Weights Oct 20, 2009

Another great question from our Facebook fans in two parts. What is the performance difference between two and four piece rods and when does it make sense to go with a different line weight than the weight of the rod? Tom answers in this podcast, but if you feel differently about his answers, let us know on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook Download this podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Three_Tips_Regarding_Fly_Fishing_Rods_and_Line_Weights.mp3

Double Barrel: Preparing for Hunting Season Oct 06, 2009

This is our second episode of Double Barrel: The Orvis Hunting and Shotgunning Podcast. After two more episodes, this podcast will have its own feed and be available on iTunes as well as through Orvis.com/podcast. We hope you will subscribe! In this episode, Bruce and Brett discuss preparing for hunting season. Please do drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on our facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook with feedback for the show! Download this podcast directly at http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Double_Barrel-_Preparing_For_Hunting_Season.mp3

The Minimalist Fly Fisher Oct 05, 2009

This episode may get us in trouble with the guys upstairs, but in this podcast Tom has some tips for the when you are in the mood to fish with as little gear as possible. Let us know what you think of this podcast on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook or by sending us an email at podcast@orvis.com. Download this podcast directly at http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/The_Minimalist_Fly_Fisher.mp3

Double Barrel's First Epsiode! Sep 28, 2009

Hey folks, we have a special episode this week! We are testing a new podcast called "Orvis Double Barrel: The Hunting and Shotgunning Podcast with Bruce Bowlen and Brett Ference"After a few episodes, Double Barrel will have it's own feed, but for now it is only available here in this podcast feed while Bruce and Brett get their feet wet.You are ou r test audience, so we really hope you will drop us a line to let us know what you think and give us suggestions for future episodes at podcast@orvis.com or by visiting us on our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook.Download this podcast directly at http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Double_Barrel_Podcast_Eye_Hand_Coordination.mp3

Proper Catch & Release Techniques Sep 24, 2009

Catch & Release fishing, when done properly, will keep fish populations healthy. When not done properly, you can kill the fish. A great topic, that was suggested via our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook. If you have a suggestion, make a comment there or send us an email at orvis.com/podcast. You can download this podcast directly at http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Proper_Catch__Release_Techniques.mp3

Playing Fish in Fast Water Sep 11, 2009

Playing fish in fast water can be tricky; not only are you fighting the fish, but now you have to fight the water, too. Tom has some great tips on how to net these fish more often and reminds us not to worry when we lose a few, after all, it's part of the game. Have a topic for the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast? Visit us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook or email us at podcast@orvis.com. You can now follow the Orvis Podcast on Twitter at http://twitter.com/orvispodcast Download this podcast directly at http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Playing_Fish_in_Fast_Water.mp3

All About Fly Fishing with Braided Leaders Aug 31, 2009

We have had a number of requests on our Facebook page for more information on leaders. Tom is happy to oblige. Have a topic for the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast? Visit us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook or email us at podcast@orvis.com.You can now follow the Orvis Podcast on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/orvispodcastDownload this podcast directly athttp://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/All_About_Fly_Fishing_With_Braided_Leaders.mp3

More Tips on Fly Fishing in Small Streams Aug 20, 2009

As regular listeners to the podcast know, Tom loves small stream fishing. In this podcast he gives more tips on how to catch more fish than trees.If you have an idea for the podcast, drop by our Facebook page at www.orvis.com/facebook or email us at podcast@orvis.com

Ridin' Dirty: Tom's Tips for Fly Fishing Muddy Water Aug 14, 2009

When the water turns muddy, do you head home or resort to plan B? Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or visit us on Facebook at orvis.com/facebook.Download this podcast directly at:http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Ridin_Dirty___Fly_Fishing_Tips_for_Muddy_Water.mp3

Bass and Panfish Fly Fishing Tips Aug 11, 2009

Tom takes another request from our Facebook page and gives some great tips on fishing for bass and panfish. Have a request? Visit us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook or drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com Download this podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Bass_and_Panfish_Fly_Fishing_Tips.mp3

The Top Five Casting Mistakes Fly Fishers Make Aug 04, 2009

How many false casts do you make before your fly hits the water? According to Tom, the biggest mistake fly fishers make is too many false casts. Find out his other four in this podcast. You can download this podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/The_Top_Five_Casting_Mistakes_Fly_Fishers_Make.mp3

Video: Fly Fishing with the Helios Switch Rod Jul 31, 2009

Tom shows off the brand new Helios Switch rods! If you have problems viewing this video, download the latest version of Quicktime at http://www.apple.com/quicktime or check out the video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gh3NkVtQuk Download this file directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Fly_Fishing_Rod-_Orvis_Helios_Switch_Rod.mp4

All Tom Knows About Fly Fishing with Sinking Lines Jul 24, 2009

Tom claims that this podcast contains all he knows about sinking lines and how to best take advantage of them when fly fishing. Did he leave anything out? Drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or join us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook Download the Podcast Directly here: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Fly_Fishing_With_Sinking_Lines.mp3

This weekend on the Roaring Branch River in Arlington, VT Jul 20, 2009

A brief video from the Roaring Branch.

Five Common Mistakes Fly Fishers Make with Leaders and Tippets Jul 07, 2009

Some people think that leaders and tippets are the most critical element in your fly fishing set up. In this podcast, Tom gives the five most common mistakes with leaders and tippets that are easy to make, but just as easy to remedy. Download this podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Five_Common_Mistakes_Fly_Fishers_Make_with_Leaders_and_Tippets.mp3

Top Five Fly Fishing Tips for Fishing Unfamiliar Waters Jun 26, 2009

Unfamiliar waters don't have to be intimidating. In this podcast Tom gives 5 tips to address both fresh and saltwater situations. If you have suggestions for a future episode of this podcast, drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or leave us a message on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook. Download this podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Top_Five_Fly_Fishing_Tips_for_Fishing_Unfamiliar_Waters.mp3

Tom Rosenbauer's Tips for Fly Fishing in the Surf Jun 23, 2009

You never know what you are going to encounter when you fish the surf and in this podcast Tom helps you be prepared for whatever comes your way. To get started grab a stripping basket, practice your double haul and download this podcast.

If you have suggestions for this podcast, drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com or leave us a message on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Tom_Rosenbauers_Tips_for_Fly_Fishing_in_the_Surf.mp3

Fly Fishing Tips for Small Streams Jun 09, 2009

The fish may be smaller, but it sure is a lot of fun!

In this podcast, Tom shares tips on fly fishing small streams.

Join us on Facebook at http://www.orvis.com/facebook to leave us suggestions for future podcasts, or drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Fly

http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Fly_Fishing__Tips_for_Small_Streams.mp3

Tips on Fly Fishing the Baetis / Blue Wing Olive Hatch May 04, 2009

The baetis hatch is Tom's favorite and in this podcast he shares his tips for making the most of it.

Join us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook to leave us suggestions for future podcasts, or drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com.

Subscribe to this podcast at www.orvis.com/podcast

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/The_Orvis_Fly_Fishing_Guide_Podcast_EP31.mp3

Fly Fishing High and Low Flow River Conditions Apr 24, 2009

Today is Tom's birthday and as he is a "go with the flow" kinda guy, we are posting a podcast on how to do just that.

In this podcast, Tom shares advice on how best to manage high and low river flow conditions. As it is spring, he focuses primarily on high flow.

Join us on Facebook at www.orvis.com/facebook and leave us comments or email us suggestions at podcast@orvis.com.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP30.mp3

Lord of the Flies: Managing your Fly Collection Apr 08, 2009

Tom shares his tips for effectively managing your fly collection.

If you have a suggestion for a podcast, drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com

You can download this podcast directly at:

http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP29.mp3

Proper Care and Maintenance of your Fly Fishing Tackle Mar 23, 2009

You have invested a lot in your fly fishiing tackle. In this podcast, Tom has some pointers on maintenance of your gear to keep it in great shape for years of enjoyment.

If you have a suggestion for a show, email us at podcast@orvis.com.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP28.mp3

Fly Fishing with Multi Fly Rigs Feb 24, 2009

Fly fishing with more than one fly at a time can yield great results. Tom shares why it makes sense and how to do it right in this podcast.

If you have suggestions for a future podcast, drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP27.mp3

Video: Layering up for Winter Fishing Feb 13, 2009

In our last podcast, Tom talked about staying warm on the water. In this video, he shows some great products from Orvis that will keep you comfortable when the temperatures drop.

If you have a suggestion for our podcast, drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP_layering.mp4

Staying Warm while Fly Fishing in the Winter Months Feb 11, 2009

In this podcast you will learn tips for staying warm while fly fishing in the winter months.

We will also post a video on this same subject.

If you have a suggestion for the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP26.mp3

Tom Rosenbauer's Basic Bonefishing Tips Feb 05, 2009

If you are headed out for your first bonefishing trip, or just want a few pointers, Tom has some great tips.

If you have a suggestion for a future podcast, or a comment. drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com.

Download this podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP25.mp3

Fly Fishing with Midges Jan 27, 2009

Don't fear the tiny flies! Tom has some pointers to help with midge fishing.

If you have comments or questions for our podcast, drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com.

Download the podcast driectly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP24.mp3

Fly Fishing in Winter Jan 05, 2009

Leave your streamers at home. Trout are sluggish in winter and Tom has some great tips to help you locate and hook them. If you have a suggestion for this podcast, drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com. http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP23.mp3

Tom's Steelhead Tips Dec 04, 2008

In this podcast, Tom shares his steelhead tips. Arrive early, go home late, be ready for nasty weather and you could be rewarded with some great fishing.

If you have any comments or suggestions for future podcasts, drop us a line at podcast@orvis.com.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP22.mp3

Fly Fishing in the Fall Oct 24, 2008

When the leaves change, so should your fly fishing techniques. Tom shares his tips for effective fly fishing in the fall.

If you have a comment or suggestion for a future podcast, please email us at podcast@orvis.com

http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP21.mp3

The Art of the Hook Set (part 2) Oct 09, 2008

All of us, from time to time, have struggled with setting the hook and wound up losing the fish. In this, the second of a two part series, Tom gives tips on effective hook setting techniques for saltwater and big game fish.

If you have a comment or suggestion for a future podcast, please email us at podcast@orvis.com

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP20.mp3

The Art of the Hook Set (Part 1) Sep 25, 2008

All of us, from time to time, have struggled with setting the hook and wound up losing the fish.

In this, the first of two parts, Tom gives tips on effective hook setting techniques for freshwater and smaller species.

Next week he talks saltwater and big game fish. If you have a comment or suggestion for a future podcast, please email us at podcast@orvis.com

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/OFFGP19.mp3

Video: Orvis Helios Promo Video Sep 19, 2008

Tom has been pretty tied up for the past couple of weeks with the Fly Fishing Retailer Show in Denver. He will be back soon. In the meantime, please enjoy this video montage set to the music of our own John Stalcup from the Orvis web design department.

Please send comments or suggestions for future podcasts to podcast@orvis.com

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Helios-Beanpole.mp4

Video: Prospecting for Trout (Part 3 of 3) Sep 11, 2008

Tom Rosenbauer hosts the third episode in a three part video series on how to read trout streams.

This piece comes from THE NEW FLY FISHER television series. Read more at www.thenewflyfisher.com.

To subscribe to The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast, please visit www.orvis.com/podcast.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Prospecting_for_Trout_Part_3.mp4

Video: Project Healing Waters Assists Injured Veterans through Fly Fishing Sep 01, 2008

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings.

For the month of September 2008, round up your purchase on www.orvis.com and Orvis will match your contribution.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/PHW_riverjustknows.mp4

Video: Prospecting for Trout (Part II of III) Aug 28, 2008

Tom Rosenbauer hosts the second part in a three part video series on how to read trout streams. This piece comes from THE NEW FLY FISHER television series. Read more at www.thenewflyfisher.com.

To subscribe to The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast, please visit www.orvis.com/podcast.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Prospecting_for_Trout_Part_2.mp4

Video: Prospecting for Trout (Part I of III) Aug 21, 2008

Tom Rosenbauer, author of Prospecting for Trout, hosts a three part video series on how to read trout streams. This piece comes from THE NEW FLY FISHER television series. Read more at www.thenewflyfisher.com.

To subscribe to The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast, please visit www.orvis.com/podcast.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Prospecting_for_Trout_Part_1.mp4

The Battenkill Large Arbor Reel Aug 18, 2008

In this video, Tom shows off the attributes of the new Battenkill Large Arbor Reel from The Orvis Company.

Check out customer reviews of the BLA by visiting www.orvis.com and searching for "Battenkill Large Arbor Reel" in the search window.

Download the podcast directly at: http://media.libsyn.com/media/orvisffguide/Battenkill_Large_Arbor_Video.mp3

Choosing a Fly Rod Aug 14, 2008

A number of listeners have emailed Tom (at podcast@orvis.com) asking for his advice on choosing a fly rod. It can be an intimidating process, but made easier if you break it out into steps.

After listening to this podcast you can get more information on selecting a rod at www.orvis.com/flexindex.