• Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

  • By: Dave Stewart
  • Podcast

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

By: Dave Stewart
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Dave from the Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Blog interviews the biggest names in fly fishing and fly tying today. He digs out all of the best fly fishing tips and tricks to help you understand how to choose the right gear, find fish, present the fly, discover new patterns and more. Find out about new rods, lines, techniques, knots, tying tools and unheard of tips along with great stories about life and the times of some of the most knowledgeable guides, shop owners, and fisherman from around the world. Season 1 covers all things steelhead fishing. Better understand topics like spey casting, nymphing vs. swinging flies, intruders, finding fish, conservation and finding new waters. In Season 2 we switch to a focus on trout fishing with topics like euro nymphing, entomology and much more. Come join us for the current season and share the stories and great memories told by amazing people.
    Copyright: Wet Fly Swing Media - Your Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Resource | 2017 - 2021
    Show More Show Less
Sports & Outdoors
Show More Show Less
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2
Episodes
  • 697 | Fly Fishing Spring Creeks and the Driftless with PJ Smith

    697 | Fly Fishing Spring Creeks and the Driftless with PJ Smith
    Dec 25 2024
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/697 Presented By: Skwala, Heated Core, Angler's Coffee, TroutRoutes Fly fishing spring creeks can be super challenging—the fish are spooky, the water conditions aren't always perfect, and sometimes it's hard to present a fly just right. But today, PJ Smith—Driftless guide and Spring Creek expert—is here to share his secrets. He’s here to share how to find fish in winter, nighttime, and all year. You’ll learn how to sneak up on spooky trout, the best way to position yourself, and whether to cast upstream or downstream. Plus, you will find out when fishing is not fishing and when not fishing is fishing. Show Notes with PJ Smith on Fly Fishing Spring Creeks and the Driftless. 04:23 - Trout Season in the Driftless wraps up in October to give the fish a break for spawning, and it's a chance for anglers to go deer hunting. January marks the start of a new season, where fishing gets tricky with cold, clear water. PJ says sunny days are your best bet, and being sneaky is key. https://vimeo.com/311013412 Fishing Spring Creeks and the Driftless in Winter Fishing the Driftless in the winter is much different than September. The water is colder and gin clear, which can make fish more sluggish. But if you’re patient and sneaky, winter fishing can be great. Here’s what to expect: Look for warm, sunny days to get the best fishing.Be stealthy.Small black stoneflies will start hatching; you might even spot them in the snow!You can still catch fish on dry flies.Nymphing with small patterns works well. How to Sneak Up on Spooky Trout 13:12 - PJ shares some tricks for sneaking up on fish in the winter. He likes to keep a low profile by avoiding high banks and staying in the water. Here are some tips: Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend in.Stay quiet and avoid loud movements.If you scare the fish, give them a few minutes to settle before trying again. What’s the Best Setup for Driftless Streams? 14:16 - PJ shares his simple setup for fishing Driftless streams. He typically uses a dry-dropper rig with a dry fly like a Hippie Stomper or Stimulator and a nymph below. He keeps his leader system simple with a 7.5-foot leader, using 3X or 4X for easy casting. He ties the dry fly directly to the leader and attaches the dropper to the hook. What Fish Are in the Driftless and How Big Do They Get? The native brook trout is pretty small in the Driftless, with a 15-inch one considered a big catch. Most brook trout are around 9 to 10 inches. Brown trout, however, are much larger and can grow over 20 inches. Anglers used to catch 30-inch browns, but they’re harder to find these days. Nighttime Fishing 20:29 - Night fishing can be pretty fun, but it has challenges. The water may be too deep, and some drop-offs can be dangerous, so it's important to know the area well. You'll need a good headlamp with a red or green light, a spare one, and a small flashlight for safety. Always let someone know where you're fishing, especially when heading out at night. How Do You Fish Streamers at Night? 26:06 - PJ says he casts his fly across the pool and lets it swing downstream. The goal is to mimic something like a mouse or frog trying to escape. Sometimes, depending on how the fish react, he’ll add a little twitch to the fly to make it more tempting. If bats are out, it’s time to rip the fly through the water. Brown trout will even eat bats if they fall in. The key is adjusting your technique based on how the fish bite that night. How Do You Make the Perfect Cast in Tight Spots? Practice is the key when making the perfect cast in tight spots. You don’t need long casts—just a solid 20-footer with pinpoint accuracy. Focus on hitting small targets like seams, holding water, or spots near rocks and vegetation. Roll casting is your best friend in the Driftless, even more than a back cast. Learn sidearm and roll cast to handle tricky spots under trees and around obstructions. What Flies Should You Tie for the Driftless? PJ shares his go-to flies for fishing in the Driftless area. These patterns work year-round, especially in winter: Pink Squirrel Rubber Leg StimulatorHippie Stompers Elk Hair Caddis Blue-Winged Olives TricosGriffith's GnatBead Head Nymphs & Leech PatternsJiggy Nymph Streamer PJ’s top advice for winter fishing is to be patient and have fun. Not every day is about catching fish. Even guides get skunked sometimes! Use those moments to learn. As PJ puts it, “When is fishing not fishing, and when is not fishing, fishing?” Something to think about next time you’re out there! Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/697
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • 696 | Fly Fishing Saskatchewan with Alyx Parks - The New Fly Fisher

    696 | Fly Fishing Saskatchewan with Alyx Parks - The New Fly Fisher
    Dec 23 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/696

    Presented by: Pescador on the Fly, Heated Core, TroutRoutes, Jackson Hole Fly Company

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    Alyx Parks, host at the New Fly Fisher, joins us as we talk all about fly fishing Saskatchewan, Canada. We delve into the region's finest lodges, renowned for offering exceptional fishing opportunities for pike, grayling, and other intriguing species. Alyx brings her wealth of experience from traveling with the New Fly Fisher, revealing invaluable tips for catching grayling, including the art of skittering and the importance of minding your backcast.

    Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious beginner, this conversation with Alyx Parks is sure to inspire your next trip to the breathtaking landscapes of Saskatchewan. Don’t miss out—tune in and let Alyx guide you through a fly fishing paradise.


    Episode Chapters with Alyx Parks on Fly Fishing Saskatchewan.

    8:38 - Alyx shares the story of how she became a host on The New Fly Fisher. The journey began unexpectedly when her father, Jeff Parks, also a host on the show, invited her to join a filming trip to Scott Lake Lodge in Northern Saskatchewan. That's when she delivered a memorable segment where she coined the phrase "hot little bug," which resonated with viewers.

    15:54 - We get into her fishing trip in Saskatchewan, Canada. She recounts experiences at the Cree River Lodge and Scott Lake Lodge, highlighting their incredible guides and the excellent pike fishing opportunities.

    23:02 - Alyx shares her first experience fishing for Arctic grayling at Cree, accompanied by Jenna McKeown, Colin McKeown's daughter and a seasoned fisher. Alyx was amazed by the grayling's power and agility, and she described it as a uniquely thrilling experience.

    32:28 - Alyx tells us about Scott Lake Lodge. She describes it as a "bucket list" destination, noting that many visitors save for years to experience it. The lodge offers a range of fishing opportunities, with pike and lake trout being the main species, but also includes grayling and walleye. She also shares personal fishing experiences, including catching large pike with her father.

    39:28 - She shares her experience filming a segment about pike fishing, emphasizing the importance of keeping the fly in the water and maintaining movement to attract pike. She recounted a memorable moment where a 47-inch pike nearly hit her co-host Jenna, capturing the excitement and unpredictability of fishing.

    52:57 - Alyx shares her memorable experience fishing on the Bow River with Nick Schlachter of Wapiti Sports & Outfitters. She also recounts an encounter with grizzly bears in the area, including a notable bear known as "the boss," emphasizing the wildlife presence in the region.

    56:32 - She mentions an episode where her father traveled to Northern Manitoba to explore the famed Gods River for big brook trout.

    58:07 - Alyx gives valuable tips for going on a fishing trip to Northern Canada. She recommends bringing stuff such as fleece, puffer jacket, wading jacket, and wet bag.

    1:01:09 - We get into podcasts. Alyx prefers podcasts over music, finding them less distracting and more engaging. She likes true crime podcasts and recommends one with the title "Tooth & Claw: True Stories of Animal Attacks," which is hosted by a bear biologist and his friends.

    1:03:24 - We get into hockey and golf. Alyx shares her renewed interest in golf, noting the similarities between golf and fly fishing. Her father, a former exceptional golfer turned fly fishing guide, often uses golf analogies when teaching clients. He helps clients improve their casting skills by comparing them to lowering a golf handicap, making the learning process relatable and enjoyable.

    1:08:22 - Alyx discusses a significant injury that kept her from fishing for two years and shares insights for people dealing with similar struggles. She emphasizes the importance of visualization in fishing, suggesting that imagining each step of the process—from positioning oneself to presenting the fly—can improve one's fishing skills.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/696

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Fly Fishing Sheridan Lake and Eagle Ridge Ranch with Steve Hyde (Traveled #22)

    Fly Fishing Sheridan Lake and Eagle Ridge Ranch with Steve Hyde (Traveled #22)
    Dec 20 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/695

    Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory

    Today on Traveled, Steve Hyde of the Hyde Drift Boats family and Eagle Ridge Ranch manager shares his best tips for fly fishing Sheridan Lake and exploring nearby Spring Creek. Find out how to make the most of summer and winter activities in these areas.

    Plus, hear about how Steve and his dad founded Hyde Drift Boats in their garage and the innovations that set their boats apart.

    Show Notes with Steve Hyde on Fly Fishing Sheridan Lake

    02:23 - We start off talking about how things are going at Eagle Ridge Ranch during this "in-between" season. Steve says they do a lot of ice fishing and managing cabins for rent year-round. We also talk about big game hunting opportunities at Eagle Ridge Ranch.

    5:17 - Sheridan Lake is located in a remote area between Kilgore and Island Park, surrounded by private and public lands. The lake benefits from powerful springs, which help maintain the temperature and support aquatic life. Steve says grizzly encounters are common in the area, which adds a bit of excitement.

    07:47 - The owner of Eagle Ridge Ranch is Frank VanderSloot, the founder of Melaleuca. There are 12 cabins on the ranch that can sleep anywhere from 2 to 20 people.

    Fishing at the Eagle Ridge Ranch

    9:42 - There are seven miles of Spring Creek and the lake to fish. You can find rainbow trout, Snake River cutthroat trout, and brook trout in the lake. Native chubfish are also in the system, though they're not highly regarded.

    10:40 - Steve says they only allow up to 12 people daily to ensure a positive visitor experience. Groups of up to 20 can sometimes be accommodated, but they try not to mix groups to keep the area peaceful.

    Watch this YouTube video about Eagle Ridge Ranch
    : https://youtu.be/Z05KwQqWb5U?si=L6LKG2AZ3X9Pjbos

    Hyde Drift Boats

    14:15 - We dive into how Steve and his dad started making driftboats in their garage back in the early '80s. What began as a hobby turned into Hyde Drift Boats. Steve talks about how the boat design evolved over the years.

    19:36 - Steve is the director of Wildlife Management for all of Frank's properties in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah. He also works closely with local fish and game agencies to maintain the land and support wildlife in the area.

    Other Activities at Eagle Ridge Ranch

    24:36 - The Eagle Ridge Ranch is great for year-round outdoor activities. People can enjoy fishing, hunting, ATV riding in summer, and snowmobiling in winter. There’s also a lava bed system called Craters of the Moon just south of the ranch.

    Fly Fishing at Sheridan Lake: What You Need to Know

    28:45 - Sheridan Lake is a fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release spot. The peak season runs from May to October, but you can still find spots throughout the year. Steve says the lake has all kinds of hatches throughout the year.

    3:15 - Steve talks about the lakes and rivers around Eagle Ridge Ranch. The main lakes are Island Park Reservoir and Henry's Lake, but there are also many rivers in the area.

    Eagle Ridge Ranch offers a premium fishing experience at Sheridan Lake. Watch this video to learn more:

    https://youtu.be/wAsF86xnK2E?si=YkzFY7k5G3ahWwJp

    45:43 - Here are some things to consider before your trip:

    Pack for all weather conditions: A sudden rainstorm can drop temperatures quickly, so you better be prepared.

    Safety first: Let someone know where you're going or have someone with you.

    Gear up right: Bring a 5 to 7-weight rod. Use the biggest tippet you can (4X), but switch to 5X if the fish get picky.


    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/695
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins

What listeners say about Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.co.uk reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available