Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#818 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818 Presented By: Waters West In today’s episode of In the Bucket podcast, we’re joined by Trevor Covich and Ed Fuhrken of Waters West Fly Fishing Outfitters. Both are long-time stewards of Pacific Northwest steelhead, guiding anglers while battling issues like habitat loss, hatchery impacts, and river access. They talk about what it’s like behind the fly shop counter: the tension between preserving wild runs and serving a growing demand for steelhead experiences. You’ll hear stories about closures, managing stock versus wild fish, and how trout tactics don’t always translate to steelhead crisis zones. Trevor and Ed also reveal the subtle art of timing your swings, staying wet when it counts, and treating every steelhead encounter like it matters—not just for you, but for the rivers downstream. Along the way, you’ll pick up practical advice: what fly anglers can do to reduce mortality, how to engage with managers and neighbors about river health, and why education and

#817 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/817  Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort, San Juan Rodworks, Pescador on the Fly, Fish The Fly Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        Fly fishing Northern California means stepping into rivers rich with history and wild steelhead, and the Trinity River is one of the crown jewels. Tom Mahan of Swingwater Fly Fishing has built his career on these waters, chasing steelhead the classic way—on the swing. In this episode, Tom talks about why he loves transitional seasons, how grease line presentations and custom furled leaders move fish in clear water, and why the Lower Trinity feels like a “mini BC” when the fall fog sets in. If you’re curious about targeting spooky steelhead in light flows, this is a must-listen. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/817    

#816 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/816 Presented By: Pescador on the Fly, Jackson Hole Fly Company, TroutRoutes, Intrepid Camp Gear Sponsors: http://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Cuba has long carried a sense of mystery for travelers, and when you put a fly rod in your hand, that mystery only deepens. In this episode, Jon Covich talks about chasing bonefish, tarpon, and permit on the Cuban flats, the realities of travel restrictions, and how the culture of the island is just as important as the fish. Jon shares what it’s like to guide and host trips through World Fly LLC, why South America deserves more attention from anglers, and the practical lessons you need before booking a saltwater trip. The conversation drifts between history, people, gear, and stories that remind us why fishing new water is about far more than checking a species off a list. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/816

815 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/815 Presented by:  FishHound Expeditions, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Togiak River Lodge Steelhead fishing on the Skeena has become a new backcountry for Riley Leboe. After years chasing podiums as a professional skier, he discovered a different rhythm on the water. One that carried the same adrenaline and spirit of exploration, but with a reward that felt deeper. From his first chum salmon in Squamish to documenting Skeena Spey Lodge with Brian Niska, Riley has followed the pull of steelhead north. On today’s episode, we trace his journey from filming ski lines to capturing the drama of swinging flies, and why the chase for steelhead keeps calling him back. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/815  

#814 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/814   Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Intrepid Camp Gear, FishHound Expeditions, Pescador on the Fly Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        On this episode, we’re heading to one of the most iconic steelhead destinations in the world—the Skeena River. Brian Niska, owner of Skeena Spey Riverside Wilderness & Lodge, talks all about Skeena steelhead fishing. Brian shares what makes the Skeena so unique, how the steelhead season is shaping up this year, and why having John McMillan and Jeff Liskay at the lodge is such a big deal. We also get into tips for adjusting your approach based on river conditions and how to get the most out of your steelhead trip. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/814   

#813 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/813 In this episode of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast, Chad Johnson sits down with Colorado guide, fly designer, and author Landon Mayer to dig deep into the art of hunting trophy trout. Landon shares how leeches became the centerpiece of his fly box, recounting the day a broken Slumpbuster pattern forever changed the way he approached big fish. The two swap stories about fishing together, the lessons passed down from mentors like Dave Whitlock, and the subtle craft of teaching casting fundamentals that can make or break a day on the water. From Colorado stillwaters to Arkansas tailwaters, Landon explains how leech patterns double as damsels, baitfish, or crayfish depending on how they’re fished — a versatile key for turning followers into eaters. Chad adds his own Ozark perspective, highlighting the region’s emerging sulfur hatch and how local anglers are discovering a brand-new dry-fly game for giant browns. Together, they dig into small-stream tactics, big-river strateg

812 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/812 Presented by: Visit Idaho  Today we’re hanging out with Norman Maktima: world champ fly angler, guide, and all-around fishy guy. Norman grew up in Pueblo tradition, fished his way onto the international stage, and knows how small details can make a huge difference. In this episode, he shares tips on reading water, watching for subtle changes in water levels, and selecting flies that work well in both competition and everyday fishing. We also get into how to stay sharp when every single cast might be the one. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/812  

#811 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/811   Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Mountain Waters Resort, Four Wheel Campers, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        If you’ve ever wondered about the rare trout swimming in North America’s wildest waters, this episode is for you. Today, we chat with Gary Marston of Native Trout Fly Fishing, a lifelong angler on a mission to find and photograph every native trout species across the country. From high alpine lakes to remote desert creeks, Gary shares what it takes to chase these fish, why protecting their habitat matters, and how photography and storytelling can help us all care a little more. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/811      

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/810 Presented By: TroutRoutes Cameron Mortenson is back on the podcast as he walks us through the quiet revival of fiberglass rods, why glass still connects you to the line, and how a lifetime of tinkering with rods turned into a giant, searchable blog that helps anglers choose gear and find water. We talk about the TroutRoutes mapping app on a big Driftless trip, five practical questions to ask before you buy a fiberglass rod, travel-packing rules for bringing a quiver, and the joy of slowing down to feel the rod load again. It’s practical, curious, and full of those gear-and-travel moments anglers love. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/810

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/809 Saltwater Fly Fishing is more than just chasing fish—it’s about immersing yourself in incredible locations, learning new techniques, and building lifelong connections. Today’s episode takes us deep into the marshes of Louisiana and beyond, exploring the magic of redfish, permit, and tarpon with a focus on both adventure and community. Our guest, John Hunt of Moccasin Fly Club, has built one of the most unique travel-minded fly fishing communities in the world. From hosted trips and conservation efforts to unforgettable cultural experiences, John shares how the journey is just as important as the fish. By the end, you’ll know when to chase bull reds, why the Double Haul Tournament is different, and how it can change the way you see travel. Show Notes with John Hunt on Saltwater Fly Fishing 01:17 - John Hunt shares fishing reports from Colorado and New Mexico, plus how his lodges adapt to summer heat and the upcoming hunting season. 02:20 - Insight into the upcoming Doubl

806 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/808 Presented by: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Patagonia, Togiak River Lodge What makes an angler who’s fished around the world still pick the ankle-deep Bahamas flats fishing? For Bruce Chard, the answer is bonefish. In this episode, Bruce shares why they’re his favorite species, what makes South Andros so special, and how to handle quick-fire shots in windy conditions. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/808  

#807 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/807   Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        In this episode, Jeff Liskay, your “Great Lakes Dude”, dives deep into the skunked angler's survival guide. From steelhead slumps to blown-out lake days, Jeff shares how he adjusts on the fly, learns from tough conditions, and finds success even when the odds are stacked against him. This episode was inspired by real conversations at the boat ramp with anglers wondering what to do after getting skunked. Jeff’s answer? Start solving the puzzle. Whether you’re struggling with fly selection, pressure, or just can’t seem to find fish, this episode is packed with tactical tips and hard-earned wisdom from 250 days a year on the water. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/807       

806 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/806 Presented by:  On DeMark Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Jackson Hole Fly Company,  Patagonia In this episode, we dive into Jeff Putnam's straightforward approach to spey casting, built on feel, timing, and simplicity. Jeff walks us through the four steps to better spey casting, common mistakes he sees on the water (and how to fix them), and what to do when your confidence takes a hit mid-swing. (We've all been there!)  We also get into the evolution of spey lines and rods, the Rogue River, Northern California, and tips for everything from trout with a three-weight to winter steelhead on big rivers. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/806  

#805 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/805 Presented By: Stonefly Nets, Intrepid Camp Gear, Mountain Waters Resort, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Ever find yourself standing on a river’s edge, the line in the water, and somehow everything makes sense, even when nothing should? That’s where I landed with Jonathan “Jon” Gluck, a writer, editor, and fly-fishing lifer—or at least, someone whose lifeline came through steelhead-strength treatments and the quiet grace of a swing. Jon was told he had about 18 months to live after a multiple myeloma diagnosis more than two decades ago. Instead of slowing down, he found healing where you’d expect it least—in the gentle arc of a cast, the flash of the fly, the now. There’s a lot of power in An Exercise in Uncertainty, his memoir, but even more in the way Jon leans into what fishing gives us: calm, clarity, and a reminder that presence is everything. #805 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/805

#804 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/804  Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Intrepid Camp Gear, San Juan Rodworks Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors         Phil Rowley breaks down the world of sinking lines—why and when to use them, how to pick the right one, and the tricks that make them effective. From understanding sink rates and densities to choosing leaders and rigging setups, Phil shares practical tactics that can help you fish deeper and smarter on lakes. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/804   

803 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/803 Presented by: TroutRoutes If you’re curious about Michigan steelhead and salmon fishing, this episode is for you. Christian Gradowski swings streamers under city bridges, strips flies for kings in water warmer than most trout would tolerate, all while capturing it all on film.  You’ll learn how to read tricky currents without obvious structure, get prepped for Great Lakes kings, and why July bass fishing can actually teach you how to swing in November. Christian keeps it real, sharing stories from the gravel runs of the Muskegon to the busy Grand River, where steelhead stack up under freeway overpasses. Find out why stripping streamers could be your new go-to and how glow-headed flies help get bites in cold water. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/803

Show Notes:https://wetflyswing.com/802 Presented By: Intrepid Camp Gear   Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors   Mckenzie Johns’ fly fishing road trips have taken her from small Pennsylvania streams to epic solo journeys across the Rockies. On her recent fly fishing road trip from Colorado to Alberta, Mckenzie combined her passion for trout fishing with the freedom of rooftop tent camping, traveling with her blue heeler, and testing the Intrepid Geo Solo tent. Along the way, she shared how fitness helps her stay strong and confident outdoors, making long days on the river and setting up camp effortless. Her approach blends gear know-how, solo travel safety, and a love for exploring wild, beautiful places. For women looking to plan their own fly fishing road trips, Mckenzie’s story shows it’s possible to merge fishing, camping, and fitness into one unforgettable experience. From choosing the right tent and packing fly fishing essentials to embracing solo travel and building outdoor strength, her advice en

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/801 Presented By: Grand Teton Fly Fishing, FishHound Expeditions, Togiak River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Today's guest traded trout strains for silk thread vintage hooks, and the history-packed world of classic fly tying never looked back. From his first salmon fly at age 12 to becoming a leading voice in preserving old school craftsmanship, Tony Smith has spent decades chasing the perfect thread wrap. By the end of this episode, you'll know what really defines a classic salmon fly, why wax silk and antique hooks still matter, and how tying flies help Tony navigate OCD social anxiety and come out on the other side. Tony Smith is here to share what it's really like inside the quirky and passionate world of classic salmon fly tying, what the feather thief story got right and wrong, and why sometimes keeping it simple is still the most beautiful thing you can do at the vise. Plus, we're going to find out why reaching out to your fly-tying heroes might be

#800 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/800  Presented by: Pescador on the Fly, Intrepid Camp Gear, Mountain Waters Resort, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        In this episode, we sit down with Robert “Bob” Lindquist of Flies for Fish to talk all about fly fishing the Delaware River. Bob grew up fishing Montauk beaches from a ’55 Willys Jeep, learned to tie flies on common nails, and eventually dedicated his life to guiding and teaching others on one of the most technical tailwaters in the East. We dive into how to read rise forms, why line management can matter more than casting distance, and how a bar merger pattern can outfish a dry fly four-to-one. Bob also shares the truth behind the Delaware’s legendary rainbow trout, his go-to patterns for the river, and why furled leaders and reach casts are game changers in this fishery. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/800    

799 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/799 Presented by:  San Juan Rodworks, Visit Idaho, Jackson Hole Fly Company, TroutRoutes Looking to unlock the secrets of night fishing for brown trout? Imagine swinging mice and streamers under the glow of your headlamp, hooking big browns long after the sun goes down. In this episode, you’ll discover how glow-in-the-dark flies work, why unweighted streamers can turn the bite on, and how to read water by feel, not sight. Frank Landis, a Pennsylvania fly fishing guide, shares his expert insights on stream temperatures, seasonal triggers, the truth behind mouse patterns, and why slowing down is the key to success after dark. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/799