Flying Trout

Braden Evans

This is the Flying Trout Podcast- a place where we explore the wild places. Where we share stories and experiences of our time on the water, in the mountains, or out amongst nature. Here we are dedicated to the pursuit of wild experiences, finding space and connection on the water, in the mountains, and among the trees. Join us as we explore the wilder things in life, fishing for tough fish in tough locations, growing as anglers and people,and finding our place amongst creation. Because it’s not just about fishing- it’s about going farther and finding what’s out there. This is Flying Trout.

  1. Apr 27

    Seasons of Fly Fishing Vol. 2: Spring

    🌿 The reset button has been hit. Spring is here — and the river knows it. In this episode of the Flying Trout Podcast, we read our latest article in full: Seasons of Fly Fishing Vol. 2 — Spring. Cold water, warm air, stoneflies crawling out of the current, and trout that are finally ready to eat. Spring is one of the most exciting and unpredictable times of year to be on the water — and this episode digs into all of it. From early March midges to late May stonefly season, we break down the flies, the layering system, and how to navigate runoff safely — plus why spring might be the season that sets the tone for everything that follows. 🎣 In this episode: 🌡️ Why spring feels like the reset button after a long winter🧥 How to layer for 35-degree mornings and 70-degree afternoons🪰 Flies for every stage of the season — from tiny midges to Pat's Rubber Legs🌊 Fishing runoff safely and why a wading staff changed everything🎯 Why versatility is the most important skill you can have in spring⏱️ 37 minutes 📖 Read the full article here:🔗 https://flyingtroutco.wixsite.com/my-site-2 🔔 If this episode helped you or got you fired up for spring, drop a like, leave a comment, and share it with a fishing buddy who needs to hear it. It means the world to a small but growing show. 📲 Find Flying Trout everywhere: 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Vtw5ruGi9Jyr7eOjlbNKi▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaPBgIUUrMa_XMtKyCKhMiQ📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flying.trout.co/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flying.trout👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556235606379 🌲 See you out there.

    37 min
  2. 07/16/2025

    Episode 6: "Stewards of the Stream: Fishing Ethically in the Summer Heat"

    Summer means more time to fish, but it also brings higher temperatures—and for wild trout, that can be deadly. In this episode, host Braden Evans shares a personal story about the day he learned the hard way what heat can do to trout. Then we dive into the science behind water and air temperature stress, catch-and-release mortality, and what every angler can do to fish more responsibly when the mercury rises. 🎣 We cover: What temperature is too hot to fish Scientific studies on trout physiology and mortality How air temps and photos can silently kill fish What tools and tactics make summer fishing safe How to be a better steward without giving up the sport Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just learning the ropes, this episode is a call to protect the resource we all love—one cool stream and thoughtful cast at a time. 🧊 Resources Mentioned: 🔬 1. Gale et al. (2013)Title: Physiological consequences of catch-and-release angling on rainbow trout and the effects of air exposure durationJournal: North American Journal of Fisheries ManagementDOI: 10.1080/02755947.2013.824931Found that even 30 seconds of air exposure at elevated water temperatures can result in significant post-release mortality. 🔬 2. Ferguson, R. A., and Tufts, B. L. (1992)Title: Physiological effects of brief air exposure in exhaustively exercised rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): implications for "catch and release" fisheriesJournal: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic SciencesDOI: 10.1139/f92-129Demonstrated that just 60 seconds of air exposure after exhaustive exercise significantly increases mortality risk. 🔬 3. Gingerich, A. J., et al. (2007)Title: Evaluation of the effects of catch-and-release angling on the survival and behavior of wild brook troutJournal: North American Journal of Fisheries ManagementDOI: 10.1577/M05-211.1Found that high air temperatures and air exposure during release resulted in elevated cortisol and lactate levels, increasing post-release mortality. 🔬 4. Isaak, D. J., et al. (2020)Title: Climate change effects on stream and river temperatures across the northwest U.S. from 1980–2009 and implications for aquatic speciesJournal: Freshwater BiologyDOI: 10.1111/fwb.13532Identified air temperature as the dominant driver of daily stream temperature increases, especially in smaller, exposed headwater streams. 🔬 5. Trout UnlimitedTitle: Safe Water Temperatures for Catch and Release Trout FishingSource: www.tu.orgOffers practical temperature thresholds for fishing: Below 65°F – Safe to fish 65–68°F – Fish with caution Above 68°F – Avoid fishing for trout 🔬 6. Keep Fish WetSource: www.keepfishwet.orgScience-based guidance on best handling practices, emphasizing minimizing air exposure, reducing handling time, and keeping fish wet. 📸 Join the convo:Tag your summer temps with #FlyingTroutTemps and share how you fish responsibly when the heat is on. — 🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes and follow @flyingtrout on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more fly fishing goodness.

    30 min

About

This is the Flying Trout Podcast- a place where we explore the wild places. Where we share stories and experiences of our time on the water, in the mountains, or out amongst nature. Here we are dedicated to the pursuit of wild experiences, finding space and connection on the water, in the mountains, and among the trees. Join us as we explore the wilder things in life, fishing for tough fish in tough locations, growing as anglers and people,and finding our place amongst creation. Because it’s not just about fishing- it’s about going farther and finding what’s out there. This is Flying Trout.