Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast Dave Stewart

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/618 
Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory, Togiak River Lodge, FishHound Expeditions, Stonefly Nets
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors  
Today, we're diving into choosing the perfect trout fly with an expert who knows his stuff. Imagine you're at the river with your perfect fly rod set-up, ready to catch a trout, but unsure which fly to use.
Spencer Durrant, a fly fishing content creator and gear enthusiast, is here to help. He will guide us through the top three things to consider when choosing the right fly pattern, even if it's your first time fishing. Plus, he'll share his insights on gear reviews and his must-have flies for any situation.

Episode Chapters with Spencer Durrant on Choosing the Perfect Trout Fly
2:40 - Spencer recounts his earliest experience with fly fishing. He shares a nostalgic story about how his father took him on an unexpected fishing trip instead of the grocery store, leading to a memorable day at Family Creek in Utah.
5:23 - He talks about his career journey. Spencer shares that after serving a mission for a church, he was uncertain about his future and decided against attending college. He gravitated towards fishing and spent significant time on the Lower Provo River in Utah.
10:30 - We discuss Spencer's journey into podcasting and his collaboration with Ventures Fly Co. He reveals that he has long been interested in podcasts and had a short-lived one a few years ago. His involvement with Ventures Fly Co. began serendipitously when he met the team while fishing, leading to a partnership. They launched their current podcast in December 2022, focusing on making fly fishing accessible for beginners.
13:40 - We dig into choosing the right fly for fly fishing. Spencer emphasizes simplifying the selection process to make it more accessible, especially for beginners. He and his colleague Alex from Ventures developed an easy-to-follow method called the "Right Fly Formula." The formula is based on three main criteria: size, shape, and color.
19:55 - To learn about fly fishing without getting too deep into the etymology, Spencer suggests visiting a local fly shop for detailed information about local rivers and hatching insects. For those without access to a fly shop or a nearby river, he recommends getting a basic education on identifying common insects like caddis, mayflies, and stoneflies, including their nymphs.
22:36 - He recommends visiting their website for online fly fishing and fly tying masterclasses for beginners.
23:58 - We dive deep into how to prepare for fishing in Yellowstone with dry flies.
31:23 - Spencer emphasizes that making flies look perfect isn't necessary and suggests that uniqueness can help a fly stand out. He shares an anecdote about a friend catching fish with a severely worn-out fly to highlight that presentation might be more important than the fly's appearance.
35:51 - He stresses the need to closely observe the surroundings. He advises turning over rocks in the water to match the local insect life to the flies in your tackle box, ensuring a better match and higher success rate in catching fish.
40:43 - Spencer mentions using a big dry fly and an orange dubbing that he found among his grandfather's fly-tying materials, which perfectly matches the October caddis. He often fishes a caddis emerger pattern, either off the back of an elk hair caddis dry fly or by nymphing it deep under a stonefly nymph to reach the bottom where fish are feeding.
43:40 - Spencer's Untangled Podcast began as a Q&A-based show driven by listener questions. He mentions his recent episodes, including topics like fly rods, waders, and trout behavior, and a notable episode where I gave my top 5 lessons from his 600 episodes.
46:45 - Spencer curates news stories and writes gear columns at MidCurrent, including reviews and guides on selecting the right equipment. He recently wrote about the BOA versus traditional laces for wading boots.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/617
Presented By: Waters West, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Smitty's Fly Box, Guide Book
 
What happens when life throws you a curveball? Our guest today was a pro skateboarder living the dream. Then, BAM! A car accident forces him to ditch the board.
Fred Campbell is here to tell us how this plot twist turned Fred into an outdoor guru and the mastermind behind Hooké, one of Canada's hottest outdoor brands.
Fred will give us a tour of Quebec's premier fly fishing destinations! This massive province in Eastern Canada offers incredible opportunities to catch Atlantic salmon, brook trout, arctic char, and many other species.
Show Notes with Fred Campbell on Quebec's Premier Fly Fishing Destinations. 
07:32 - Fred's first fly fishing experiences were with his grandfather, who took him canoeing and fishing for trout in Quebec. He later got into Atlantic salmon and wanted to make it more accessible.
10:51 - Fred also shares the story behind Hooké. The idea started as a fun name for his skateboarding and snowboarding crew and evolved into a brand. The name's unique accent makes it stand out and reflects his roots.
 
14:02 - Fred started in film production after a car accident ended his skateboarding career. He created Fokus Productions and eventually worked on big names like Red Bull.
After 12 years, he got tired of the hectic lifestyle and found his passion in fly fishing. He started filming his fishing trips, shared them online, and then built a clothing line around his brand. The Hooké grew rapidly and eventually had its own TV show.
21:35 - Fred talked about meeting Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia. We had Yvon on the podcast in Episode 536.
28:44—We chat about Fred's approach to hunting and filmmaking. He doesn't show animals suffering or dying because he believes it doesn't add value. Instead, he focuses on the whole hunting experience.
 
25:19 - Fred talked about his clothing line and how he spends 100 days a year outdoors testing the gear. He loves seeing people wear his brand, especially in his home province of Quebec.
Fishing in Quebec
41:06 - Fred shares about the amazing fishing opportunities in Quebec. Here are the different species you can catch there:
Walleye and Lake Trout
Brook Trout
Atlantic Salmon
Arctic Char
 
50:02 - Quebec has many managed fishing areas where you need permits, especially for Atlantic salmon.
DIY fishing is possible but requires preparation and understanding of local regulations. Here are some websites you can visit for more information:
Saumon Québec
Quebec Outfitters
Sépaq
Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/617
 

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/616 
Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Northern Rockies Adventures, Togens Fly Shop
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors 
Today, we're diving deep into Baja Fly Fishing with James Shaughnessy, founder of Beulah Fly Rods. Get ready to discover where to find the elusive roosterfish, how to approach them, and why a steelhead mindset is essential for success. Whether you're a seasoned fly fisher or just starting, this episode is packed with tips and tricks on the best fly rods for different seasons and the ideal rod weight for this year's roosterfish adventure. So, grab your gear and join us for an engaging and informative chat with one of the industry's best.

Episode Chapters with James Shaughnessy on Baja Fly Fishing
1:57 - James recounts his early fishing experiences, starting as a child in Puerto Rico, where he fished off beaches and developed a deep love for the ocean. His passion continued in Florida, where he fished for inshore species like sea trout and snook.
6:04 - He shares his journey into the fishing rod industry, detailing his extensive background and specialization in fly fishing. Having worked in fly shops and as a guide, he gained significant exposure to fly rods.
James highlights that the switch rods were a pioneering product, as they were among the first commercial series available, setting his company apart. This innovation was well-received, leading to the development of fly lines specifically designed for switch rods, which were scarce at the time.
11:18 - James describes Baja as one of the best fishing spots in the world, likening it to a 900-mile pier. He highlights the accessibility of the beaches, the variety of species, and the ease of catching large sport fish like marlin and roosterfish close to shore due to the deep waters of the Sea of Cortez. He also emphasizes the friendly locals and the overall safety and beauty of the area.
14:19 - He elaborates on the challenges of catching roosterfish, particularly from the beach. He explains that even with live bait, roosterfish are notoriously difficult to catch due to their sharp instincts and tendency to reject bait. Catching them from the beach requires perfect timing, luck, and skill, making it a highly rewarding endeavor for dedicated fishermen.
16:15 - We dig into their operations in Baja which run during prime fishing months, offering trips usually consisting of five to six days of fishing. The busiest months are from May to July, and they resume after hurricane season in October, extending to Pacific side trips in November and December.
22:23 - He discusses the unique dorsal fin of roosterfish and its role in their hunting strategy. James explains that the fin is used to corral bait, such as sardines, by creating a vortex that traps the prey, making it easier for the roosterfish or its companions to catch it. This behavior is particularly evident during their feeding frenzy, which presents a prime opportunity for anglers to target them.
23:17 - James elaborates on the gear and techniques for targeting fishing roosterfish. From a boat, anglers typically use flies that mimic the baitfish in size and color. When fishing from the beach, larger flies are used to stand out among the baitfish schools, as roosterfish quickly dart in and out during their attacks.
29:36 - For targeting roosterfish, James recommends the Beulah G2 10wt rod, which is versatile enough for various conditions and effective for casting and fighting fish. He mentions that a 12wt rod might be used for larger fish but generally sticks to 10 or 11wt rods. For flies, James reiterates the effectiveness of a standard six-inch fly mullet pattern for roosterfish.
39:16 - James explains that the trips run from Saturday to Saturday, with guests flying in, picked up by a van, and transported a couple of hours up the coast. There are also opportunities for evening trips to fish for species like cubera snapper.
41:

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/615 
Presented by: Skwala, TroutRoutes, Togiak River Lodge, Visit Helena, MT
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors 
In today's episode, Drew Evans of The Fly Project walks us through their buzzing Carp Clave event.
Drew will share his top three carp fishing tips, including the legendary drag-and-drop technique you don’t want to miss. Plus, he’ll dive into the must-have gear for the season and give us the scoop on spotting carp in those tricky river flats. And if that’s not enough, get ready to be hooked by tales of fish camps and exotic fishing trips to places like Belize!

Episode Chapters with Drew Evans on the Carp Clave
3:11 - Drew describes the Carp Clave event as possibly the first of its kind, aiming to educate and introduce more people to carp fishing, which traditional trout fishermen often overlook. It was held in Boardman, Oregon, a location chosen for its abundant flats and carp.
7:18 - Drew explains that the Carp Clave highlights the parallels between flats fishing, typically a saltwater technique, and carp fishing in shallow waters across the United States and even globally.
8:55 - He walks us through the event. He mentions Dick Sagara and a few more of the huge supporters of the event and the vendors and brands that were there.
18:20 - Drew explains that House of Fly is where he works. They offer a comprehensive range of fly fishing gear, from saltwater equipment to small creek necessities, carrying well-known brands like Echo, Sage, and Winston.
20:51 - We talk about his home river. For steelhead, he goes to Clearwater, Idaho. He also targets salmon and smallmouth bass.

25:01 - Drew explains that spring brings challenges like weather fronts and strong winds, which can affect water clarity essential for flat-style fishing. Despite potential visibility issues, carp can still be targeted due to their bright appearance, especially against sandy bottoms. He emphasizes the importance of identifying the fish's orientation to place the fly correctly.
28:04 - We dig into the gear for fishing in the Boardman area of the Columbia River for successful fishing during April. He emphasizes the importance of having a rod with a good backbone, suggesting an eight-weight rod as ideal. This rod size is versatile for different types of fish, including redfish, bonefish, permit, pike, smallmouth bass, and carp.
29:06 - He highlights the importance of selecting lines that can handle wind and varying temperatures. He recommends saltwater tapers, especially the Rio Outbound short for cold conditions and the SA Grand Slam or redfish taper for warmer conditions.
31:18 - Drew typically uses a long leader, around 12 to 13 feet, particularly when dealing with spooky fish. To counterbalance the long leader and ensure the fly sinks faster, he uses a heavier fly and often opts for a fluorocarbon tippet, ranging from 12 to 16 pounds. He mentions specific products like the redfish leaders from SA or Rio, which he finds particularly effective.

32:15 - He notes that anything from sizes 8 to 4 can be effective for the flies. He mentions the importance of having a variety of flies with different weights, from light bead chain eyes to medium dumbbell eyes, to adapt to different water depths. He highlights a particular fly, the hybrid carp fly created by John Bartlett, which has proven highly effective in carp fishing.
37:28 - Drew gives us three reasons to try carp fishing. He points out the accessibility of it, as it doesn't require long drives like trout fishing. He also mentions the practice it provides for saltwater fishing and the conservation benefits, as carp can be fished in hot weather when other fish are less active. It also offers a thrilling, challenging experience.
41:16 - He talks about the strategies for finding and not spooking carp while fishing. He emphasizes the importance of locating shallow water areas that can accommodate multiple fish. Drew also points o

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/614
Presented By: Drifthook Fly Fishing, FishHound Expeditions, Yellowstone Teton Territory, Visit Helena, MT
Jason Moore is on the podcast, and we'll get his three best tips for striper fishing on the East Coast.
We'll also get an update on the trends out east and where you can get more information. We're heading to the East Coast today with Jason of Island Fly.
Show Notes with Jason Moore on Stiper Fishing. 
02:10 - Jason grew up in a small beach town in southern New Jersey, where he loved surfing and conventional fishing. He spent 25 years in Colorado and got into trout fishing. After that, he returned to the coast and got into saltwater fly fishing.
Island Fly 
3:05 - When Jason started Island Fly four years ago, their main target was stripers, which he said are great on the fly. During summers when stripers head north for cooler waters, they focus on other species like flounder, bluefish, and cow nose rays.
Photo via https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/species/pacific_cownose_ray
06:29 - Jason says they are on Brigantine Island, where there are vast sandy flats, and the best way to fish for cow nose rays is from a boat. Cow nose rays are best targeted from mid-June to late August when the water is warm.
You can also go for flounder and catch bluefish during this time. Additionally, they sometimes fish for spinner sharks.
Check out our episode on Mako Shark Shark Fly Fishing with Conway Bowman 
Wild Fish Wild Places 
09:46 - Jason talks about his trip to the Columbian Amazon to fish for peacock bass with my good friend Denis Isbister from Wild Fish Wild Places.
The trip was super remote, involving long boat rides and hiking through the jungle to reach untouched lagoons. The episode is set to premiere in October 2024! Catch the raw footage here:
Striper Fishing 
18:28 - The best time for a striper fishing trip is spring, especially April and May because the weather is more consistent. These fish move north as the water warms, following bait fish like menhaden.
23:55 - Jason owns a 22-foot panga, which he finds perfect for striper fishing. However, there are alternative options for stripers fishing without a boat, such as beach fishing and fishing around jetties.
29:19 - When fishing for stripers, matching the fly to the water depth and fish behavior is important.
Surface lures like gurglers and poppers are effective in shallow waters (three feet or less), while streamers work better in deeper areas.
Tarpon toad flies work well in challenging situations.
Tips for Successful Striper Fishing
Look for structures and moving water to locate fish.
Use surface lures like poppers in the morning and evening to attract fish.
Switch to streamers during the day for continued success.
Experiment with different color patterns to find what works.
Try crab patterns in shallow waters.
Other Species
Rays
34:43 - Unlike striper fishing, where you're on the boat chasing after fish, ray fishing involves wading in shallow, warm waters near sandbars. The rays are often seen in large numbers and are targeted with crab flies.
A minimum of nine-weight rods is recommended.
Sub-50-foot casts are typical.
Be prepared with ample backing due to the ray's powerful runs.
Blue Fish
They can be caught from spring through summer.
Very aggressive and fun to catch.
Flounder
Flounders are found on sandbars during the warm summer months.
Shallow water fishing using a six-weight rod.
Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/614
 
 

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/613
Presented By: Guide Book
If you had the choice to fish Iceland or the central coast of California, which would you choose? And what if you had to choose between Atlantic salmon and fishing for carp on the fly? Our guest is a guide in both of these areas. And today you're gonna get a front seat to find out why you should choose carp and the tips you need to understand carp behavior so you can catch more fish next time you're on the water.
Dagur, The California Carp Hunter, is here to take a deep dive into catching carp on the fly with a focus on fishing lakes in the Central Coast of California. You're gonna find out what dimples on the ground mean and how this will help you find more fish. You're going to know how to catch fish around the carp, spawn something that many people get wrong, and you'll also hear about this amazing algae hatch and how you can match the algae hatch. Plus, you're gonna find out which moon is perfect for carp fishing and the story of day's altercation with the Clint Eastwood family and how he ultimately made amends for our carp, the freshwater equivalent of bonefish.