The Spot Burn Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Part 2 - Will Brook Trout Survive? Inside the Urgent Fight to Save Wisconsin's Waters! - With Paul Cunningham Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the Spot Burn Podcast, brought to you by Musky Fool! In Part 2 of this episode, hosts Dan and Josh continue their in‐depth discussion with fisheries ecologist Paul Cunningham as they explore how evolving management practices and new scientific insights are reshaping the way Wisconsin protects its native brook trout. This conversation delves into the challenges and innovative strategies behind habitat restoration, watershed partnerships, and long‑term conservation planning in the face of climate change.
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In This Episode:
Changing Approaches in Trout Habitat Management:
Old practices—like narrowing streams and trout stamp projects—favored brown trout. Now, efforts focus on maintaining natural stream structure with longer pools, gentler runs, and forested riparian zones.
The Impact of Habitat Modification:
Historical projects in the Driftless Area shifted competition against native brook trout, prompting a rethink to foster brook trout resilience.
The Brook Trout Reserve Program – Origins & Goals:
Paul outlines how USGS climate models and catch data filtered 1800 sub‑watersheds down to 54 priority reserves representing the most resilient brook trout habitats.
Data-Driven Selection & Future Projections:
Advanced modeling and field data identify the top 20% of brook trout habitats that can sustain populations despite climate challenges.
Adaptation Strategies & Collaborative Efforts:
Key tools include riparian reforestation, improved fish passage at road crossings, and best practices in agriculture and forestry—built on partnerships with conservation organizations and local agencies.
Institutional & Community Involvement:
Long‑term success depends on strong institutional frameworks and the active engagement of informed anglers as resource stewards.
Stream Bank Protection Program Revisited:
A look back at the late 1980s program that secured perpetual riparian easements, laying the groundwork for today’s conservation efforts.
Future Outlook & Measuring Success:
The episode concludes with goals for persistent, naturally reproducing brook trout, healthier watersheds, and the positive impact of collaborative conservation partnerships.
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Relevant Links:
Wisconsin DNR Fisheries:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/
Wisconsin Brook Trout Reserves:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/BrookTroutReserves
Brook Trout Reserves Story Map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1d5dc22ef07e4da7bbd92718206faf23
Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts:
https://wicci.wisc.edu/
For more information on Brook Trout Reserves in Wisconsin, contact Paul Cunningham at Paul.Cunningham@wisconsin.gov or Bradd Sims at Bradd.Sims@wisconsin.gov or send a message to DNRFHBrookTroutReserves@wisconsin.gov
--
Stay Connected:
👕 Need some fresh gear? We got you covered, check us out at
MuskyFool.com
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And be sure to check out MuskyFool.com !
Have fun out there on the water ya'll!
- Dan & Josh
MuskyFool.com
Instagram: @muskyfool
YouTube: Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.
Facebook: Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.

Will Brook Trout Survive? Inside the Urgent Fight to Save Wisconsin's Waters! - With Paul Cunningham, Part 1 Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of the Spot Burn Podcast, brought to you by Musky Fool! In this episode, hosts Dan and Josh sit down with fisheries ecologist Paul Cunningham from the Wisconsin DNR to discuss the Brook Trout Reserves Program and the future of Wisconsin’s native brook trout. Join us for an in-depth conversation on climate change, habitat conservation, and the challenges of managing one of the state’s most iconic cold-water species. Make sure to tune in for part 2!
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In This Episode:
Meet Paul Cunningham:
Learn about Paul’s journey from rural southern Wisconsin to becoming a key figure in fisheries management since 1992.
Brook Trout Reserves Program:
Discover how the program aims to protect native brook trout from the impacts of warming stream temperatures and climate change.
Climate Change & Habitat Loss:
Paul explains the science behind rising CO2 levels, stream temperature increases, and the projection that up to two-thirds of brook trout habitat may be lost by mid-century.
Fisheries Management & Master Planning:
Insight into how long-term master planning and public access initiatives are shaping the future of Wisconsin’s aquatic resources.
Genetics & Hatchery Influence:
A candid discussion on how hatchery introgression has affected the genetic diversity of brook trout and what it means for conservation.
Angler Perspectives:
Hear about the interplay between brown and brook trout, and how the shifting dynamics affect recreational fishing in Wisconsin.
Big Fish Talk:
The hosts and Paul touch on record-sized brook trout and the ongoing efforts to map and preserve quality trout streams.

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Relevant Links:
Wisconsin DNR Fisheries:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/
Wisconsin Brook Trout Reserves:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/BrookTroutReserves
Brook Trout Reserves Story Map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1d5dc22ef07e4da7bbd92718206faf23
Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts:
https://wicci.wisc.edu/
For more information on Brook Trout Reserves in Wisconsin, contact Paul Cunningham at Paul.Cunningham@wisconsin.gov or Bradd Sims at Bradd.Sims@wisconsin.gov or send a message to DNRFHBrookTroutReserves@wisconsin.gov
--
Stay Connected:
👕 Need some fresh gear? We got you covered, check us out at
MuskyFool.com
🔔 Subscribe & Hit the Bell so you never miss an episode!

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

The Mega Fly Roast Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to The Spotburn Podcast, and this time, we’re turning up the heat! Episode 38 is The Mega Fly Roast, where we bring the spiciest critiques yet. You asked for it, and we delivered—no holding back this time.
To help us crank up the honesty, we’ve got our good buddy Gabe Parkin in the studio. He told us we were being too nice on previous fly roasts, so we made it our mission to go all-in. Flies will be roasted. Egos will be tested. And yes, we even made The Wall of Fame and Wall of Shame official.
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🔥 In this episode:
Why we decided to raise the stakes on the Fly Roast
Introducing the new Wall of Fame rules—unanimous votes only!
A lineup of five wild and unique fly submissions from listeners
From innovation to disaster—breaking down the craftsmanship, materials, and fishability of each pattern
100-inch muskies?? Debunking the wildest musky myth we've heard
Gabe’s quick tip that will change the way you trim your Buford heads forever
A surprise Quick Trip food hack you didn’t know you needed
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🔥 Did any flies make the Wall of Fame? Which ones crashed and burned? Watch to find out!
📩 Got a fly you want roasted? Get all the details and find out how at
https://muskyfool.com/pages/the-fly-roast
👕 Need some fresh gear? We got you covered, check us out at
MuskyFool.com
🔔 Subscribe & Hit the Bell so you never miss an episode!

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

KY River Classic, Flooding, and Locating Water Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Josh and Dan are live from Kentucky for the second annual Kentucky River Muskie Classic! In this episode, they break down day one of the tournament, discuss the extreme flooding conditions affecting both the fishing and local communities in Kentucky, and dive into the broader conservation challenges facing fisheries. Plus, they roast a couple of listener-submitted flies in the 3rd fly roast and share some tournament strategies for high-water conditions.
Topics Covered:
🎣 Kentucky River Muskie Classic – Recap of day one, conditions, and top teams so far
🌊 Flooding in Kentucky – Impacts on fisheries and local communities
💰 Funding Cuts & Conservation – What’s happening at state and federal levels
🦌 Fly Roast #3 – Unique fly submissions, including one made with bison fur
💡 Quick Tip – Using land maps instead of fishing maps when waters are flooded
Articles discussed:
➡️ FEMA Article -
President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Kentucky
https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250225/president-donald-j-trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-kentucky
➡️ Fur Ban in Washington Article -
Fur Ban Bill Narrowly Passes Committee in Washington
https://congressionalsportsmen.org/news/fur-ban-bill-narrowly-passes-committee-in-washington/
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💡 Got a story, or topic you want us to cover? Drop it in the comments and as always check us out at MuskyFool.com
🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for to support and help the Spot Burn podcast grow!
#SpotBurnPodcast #flyfishing #muskyfishing #troutfishing #fishinggear #fishingtips #conservation

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

Hoss' 2024 Guide Season and Fly Roast #2 Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Dan & Josh are back for episode 36 of the Spot Burn Podcast, and this one’s packed with action! We’re joined by none other than Nick "Hoss" Gelerstedt, musky guide and all-around hammer, for an epic conversation.
🔥 In This Episode:
🎣 Livescope Fodder – More hot takes on the hottest tech in fishing
🚔 CT Fly Shop Break-In – A police officer? Really?
📍 KY Predictions – What’s coming this season?
🔥 Our 2nd Roast – Who’s in the hot seat this time?
https://muskyfool.com/pages/the-fly-roast?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=product_shelf
🎙 The Main Event – A deep dive into musky fishing with Nick Gelerstedt
Don’t miss this one—hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment!
As always check us out at:
MuskyFool.com

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

The First Fly Roast, Winter Trout Tactics, and 2025 Spot Burn Plans Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Dan & Josh are back with Episode 35 of The Spot Burn Podcast, featuring the first-ever Fly Roast, where they critique, analyze, and celebrate some wild fly submissions. They also dive into winter trout tactics, early season strategies, and share some big 2025 Spot Burn Podcast and Musky Fool plans.
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Topics Covered in This Episode:
🔥 The Fly Roast Debut! What makes a great fly? What makes a terrible one? And why are we doing this? Submit your own flies for a future episode!
➡️ https://muskyfool.com/pages/the-fly-roast
🎣 Winter Trout Fishing Tactics – What’s working right now in early season trout fishing? Check out our recent blog post for Catching More Trout in the Driftless This Winter:
➡️ https://muskyfool.com/blogs/news/catch-more-trout-this-winter-in-the-driftless
📱 OnX Fish App & Spot Burning Debate – Is the new fishing app a game-changer or a major problem for secret spots?
🔬 Underwater Trail Cams – The latest AI-powered fishing tech that might change how we scout for fish.
🏞 DNR Budget Updates & Conservation News – What’s happening with Wisconsin’s fisheries and how you can take action.
🎟 The Big Thaw – Spring Kickoff Event – Huge fly fishing event coming this March! Get all the details.
➡️ https://muskyfool.com/pages/the-big-thaw
🏆 Muskie School & Fly Fishing Film Tour – More great events happening this spring. Details here:
➡️ https://www.capitalcitymuskiesinc.org/muskie-school/
🛶 2025 Musky Trips & Tournaments – The team is gearing up for the Kentucky River Musky Classic and new fishing destinations.
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💡 Got a story, or topic you want us to cover? Drop it in the comments and as always check us out at MuskyFool.com
🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for to support and help the Spot Burn podcast grow!
#SpotBurnPodcast #flyfishing #muskyfishing #troutfishing #fishinggear #fishingtips #conservation

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

What is the FLY ROAST? - The Official Introduction! Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the Fly Roast! The Fly Roast is a new one-of-a-kind segment featured on the Spot Burn Podcast, brought to you by Musky Fool. As the name suggests, The Fly Roast is where we will roast YOUR flies live on each episode of the podcast. This is a chance for your flies to be featured, and most importantly, for us to celebrate the creativity that is fly tying! This is meant to be a light-hearted and fun segment. At the end of the day, Dan and Josh are both true Midwesterners. Some flies might get roasted and some might make it through the gauntlet and become a new featured pattern at Musky Fool. Are you up for the challenge?
Check out the link below to learn more & how you can get your fly featured on the next Fly Roast!
https://muskyfool.com/pages/the-fly-roast

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

Fly shops closing, late season success, and superstitions Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Spot Burn is back for 2025!! Welcome to our new studio and plenty of wild new stories! We’ve got big plans for this year: more episodes, more hard-hitting topics, and more of the unfiltered stories you requested.
This episode covers everything from the hilarious musky meltdowns of New Year’s Eve (when grown men quit the sport and sell their gear) to alarming industry trends like the closure of small fly shops and the massive oil spill in Jefferson County. We’ll also share our biggest fish of the 2024 season, the wild story of a gun being pulled during an ice fishing dispute, and all our late season success.
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What’s in This Episode?
🎯 2025 Goals: More episodes, bold topics, and epic interviews.
🎣 Fishing Superstitions: Do musky gods control your fate? They share theirs and read yours!
🎭 Musky Meltdown: Why do anglers quit and sell all their gear this time of year?
💥 Fly Shop Closures: 2024 saw over 20 fly shops close—what’s next for the industry?
🛢 Massive Oil Spill: A Jefferson County disaster with environmental consequences.
🔫 Gun on the Ice: An ice fishing conflict escalates dangerously.
🏆 Late-Season Recap: Musky playoffs, big fish, and wild stories to close out 2024.
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Links to Stories & Resources:
Jefferson County Oil Spill:
https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-...
Gun Pulled While Ice Fishing:
https://www.fox6now.com/news/racine-h...
Viral Highlights:
💡 Got a story, or topic you want us to cover? Drop it in the comments and as always check us out at MuskyFool.com
🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for to support and help the Spot Burn podcast grow!
#FishingPodcast #MuskyFishing #FlyFishing #FishingStories #PodcastStudio #FishingSuperstitions #MuskyGrind

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

Barometric Pressure & Shenanigans Dec 27, 2024

Show notes

Join hosts Dan and Josh in Episode 33 of the Spotburn Podcast, recorded mid-fishing trip in beautiful northern Wisconsin! On this episode, the duo dives deep into the effects of barometric pressure on fishing success, discusses their late October muskie-hunting adventures, and even tackles the unexpected topic of Drake’s foray into fly fishing culture. Along the way, they share tips on targeting bite windows, navigating new water, and the eternal debate: Are you a scooper or a stabber when netting fish? Tune in for laughs, insights, and a fresh take on fishing.
Thanks for listening to this episode and as always if you have ideas, questions or looking for new gear be sure to check us out at:
MuskyFool.com

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

42 Muskies, 3 Elk, & 5 Emergency Flares Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

In Episode 32, Dan & Josh break down the action from the recent musky fly fishing tournaments... Treelands & Beast of the East. With challenging conditions at Treelands, our team faced tough competition but had some memorable moments. This year was the highest attendance in tournament history with everyone duking it out for biggest fish and most muskies on the rivers and lakes. They also provide a run down of the experience at school of musky fly fishing. Plus don’t miss Dano’s Kwik Tip on tuning your gliders, a must-know trick of the trade.
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The fellas also recap the latest in the fishing world, including major industry news and tournament highlights. They discuss recent developments like Simms potentially being sold and Orvis laying off 8% of its workforce, as well as updates on Ross Reels' East vs. West series and Winston Fly Rods new sunglasses. Plus, we touch on the upcoming fur ban referendum in Denver and its potential impact on anglers. It's a packed episode full of the latest industry trends and changes.
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Thanks for listening to this episode and as always if you have ideas, questions or looking for new gear be sure to check us out at:
MuskyFool.com

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

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