Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast Podcast By Dave Stewart cover art

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

By: Dave Stewart
Listen for free

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 - 2025
Episodes
  • 901 | Jim McLennan on Bow River Fly Fishing Then and Now

    901 | Jim McLennan on Bow River Fly Fishing Then and Now
    Mar 25 2026

    901 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/901

    Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Pescador on the Fly, Togiak River Lodge, Toyota Prairies

    In this episode, I sit down with Jim McLennan to explore Bow River fly fishing across generations. We talk about the shift from classic dry fly fishing to streamer fishing, increased boat traffic, and the challenges of managing a well-known tailwater fishery in Alberta.

    We also get into key hatches like golden stones, how dam operations impact river conditions, and how fly fishing techniques have evolved on the Bow River. Jim shares stories about legends like Lefty Kreh and Gary LaFontaine, along with insights from his books, including Blue Ribbon Bow.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • The Science of Hatches: What the Salmonfly Project Is Teaching Anglers with James Frakes and Jackson Birrell

    The Science of Hatches: What the Salmonfly Project Is Teaching Anglers with James Frakes and Jackson Birrell
    Mar 23 2026
    Watch the full video: https://wetflyswing.com/salmonflyproject Take the Angler Survey: https://salmonflyproject.org/survey/ Support the Salmonfly Project: https://salmonflyproject.org/donate/ In this episode, we dig deep into one of the most important but often misunderstood parts of fly fishing: entomology, or the study of aquatic insects, and how it directly connects to success on the water. James Frakes and Jackson Birrell from the Salmonfly Project break this topic down in a way that makes it approachable, practical, and actually useful for anglers at any level. Instead of overwhelming you with scientific jargon or Latin names, they focus on what matters most: understanding bugs well enough to make better decisions when fish are feeding. Right from the start, the conversation shifts the way you think about "matching the hatch." It's not just about picking the right fly—it's about understanding timing, behavior, and movement. When you start thinking not only like a fish, but also like the bug, everything begins to click. Why Bugs Matter More Than You Think One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that bugs are not just "fish food" they are the foundation of the entire river ecosystem. Aquatic insects: Feed trout and drive feeding behavior Support birds and other wildlife Help clean and maintain healthy rivers Act as early warning signs for water quality In fact, over 70% of freshwater species are insects, which puts into perspective just how important they are. The guys emphasize that it's not just about having a lot of bugs it's about diversity. Different species hatch at different times, creating consistent feeding opportunities for trout throughout the year. Without that diversity, fishing becomes less predictable and often less productive. The Big 3: Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies To simplify things, they focus on the three major insect groups every angler should understand: 1. Mayflies These are the classic "dry fly" bugs most anglers think of. They have a unique lifecycle that includes multiple fishable stages: Nymph Emerger Dun (adult) Spinner (final stage) Because mayflies take a long time to emerge and sit in the surface film, trout feed on them gently those classic sipping rises. A key insight: Mayflies are often most vulnerable during emergence, making emerger and cripple patterns incredibly effective. 2. Stoneflies Stoneflies behave very differently. Instead of emerging mid-river, they: Crawl to the banks Hatch out of the water Return to lay eggs by skittering or "splatting" on the surface This creates a completely different feeding response from trout: More aggressive, splashy eats One of the most surprising takeaways: During big hatches like salmonflies, fish may already be completely full from eating nymphs That's why sometimes fish ignore giant dry flies even when bugs are everywhere 3. Caddisflies Caddis are fast, active, and incredibly abundant. Their lifecycle includes: Larva Pupa (fast-rising stage) Adult (moth-like) Unlike mayflies, caddis emerge quickly and don't sit long on the surface. This leads to: Faster, more aggressive trout feeding (the classic "caddis rise") A big takeaway here: Fishing wet flies or pupae is often more effective than dry flies during caddis activity Understanding Behavior Over Identification One of the most important themes in this episode is that you don't need to memorize every bug species. Instead, focus on: What type of bug it is (mayfly, stonefly, caddis) Where it lives (bottom, rocks, banks) How it moves (slow drift vs fast swim vs skitter) When it emerges If you understand those basics, you can: Anticipate feeding behavior instead of reacting to it Hatch Timing and Strategy The episode also dives into how hatches actually happen and how to fish them. Key concepts: Hatches are driven by water temperature and seasonal timing Spinner falls are driven by air temperature Bugs emerge in predictable windows (morning, midday, evening) Some practical strategies: Fish nymphs before the hatch begins Switch to emergers right before activity Match surface patterns only when fish are clearly feeding up top They also highlight how: Cloudy, humid weather often improves mayfly fishing Sunny afternoons can be better for stoneflies Evening and even nighttime can be prime for caddis Real Science Meets Real Fishing What makes this episode stand out is how the Salmonfly Project connects science directly to angling. Their work includes: Studying insect populations Tracking environmental changes Running angler-driven data collection They explain how insects act as "canaries in the coal mine"s howing early signs of river health changes before fish populations decline. This ties into a bigger message: Understanding bugs makes you not just a better angler—but a better steward of the river The Wild Side of Bugs This episode also mixes in some unforgettable (and slightly crazy) insights: Caddis larvae build underwater nets and ...
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Henry's Lake Fly Fishing with Darren Huntsman (Littoral Zone #23)

    Henry's Lake Fly Fishing with Darren Huntsman (Littoral Zone #23)
    Mar 20 2026

    899 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/899

    Presented by: Patagonia, San Juan Rodworks, Intrepid Camp Gear

    Henry's Lake fly fishing has a reputation that stretches across North America. Big trout, shallow water, legendary hatches, and a history filled with anglers chasing trophy fish.

    In this episode, Phil Rowley sits down with Idaho native Darren Huntsman, a lifelong angler who has spent decades learning the nuances of this famous stillwater.

    Darren grew up fishing nearby rivers and lakes, eventually falling in love with Henry's Lake for the same reason many anglers do—the chance to chase truly big trout in a bug-rich, shallow lake that fishes differently from almost anywhere else.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 12 mins
All stars
Most relevant
it was great if your a angler like me you would love it. it has a really easy plot to follow and several interesting storys.

wow

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Love this!
An express course in all transferable fishing skills.
Remember, about the size of a dinner plate.

All good stuff!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.