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.
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    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 ...
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    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.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Fly Fishing New Mexico with Trisha Valdez – Small Streams to Big Tailwaters

    Fly Fishing New Mexico with Trisha Valdez – Small Streams to Big Tailwaters
    Mar 19 2026

    Show Notes: Https://wetflyswing.com/898B

    Sponsor: San Juan Rodworks

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    Fly fishing in New Mexico offers an incredible range of water that many anglers overlook. From tiny mountain creeks hiding in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the famous San Juan River tailwater, the state delivers everything from technical dry fly fishing to big trout below dams.

    In this episode, I sat down with Trisha Valdez to talk about growing up around the Mora River, how she found fly fishing later in life, and why local rivers often shape us more than destination trips. Trisha also shares the story behind New Mexico Lady Anglers, the community she founded to help more women get comfortable with fly fishing.

    We get into small-stream fishing, the San Juan River, conservation challenges, and several New Mexico trout streams worth adding to your list.
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    54 mins
  • 898 | The Steelhead Swing System and the Fly Fishing Bootcamp with Jeff Liskay

    898 | The Steelhead Swing System and the Fly Fishing Bootcamp with Jeff Liskay
    Mar 18 2026

    Watch the Video: http://wetflyswing.com/steelheadbootcamp

    Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/

    In this episode, Jeff Liskay breaks down the core ideas behind successful swung-fly steelhead fishing and why so many anglers struggle with it. Instead of focusing on gear or the perfect fly, Jeff explains that success starts with understanding where steelhead actually hold in a river. He shares lessons from decades of chasing steelhead across the Great Lakes, West Coast, and beyond, emphasizing how reading water, identifying structure, and recognizing current changes are the real keys to finding fish. Anglers need to think like hunters, targeting individual holding spots and learning to interpret the subtle clues the river gives about where steelhead are likely resting or traveling.

    Jeff also dives into the mechanics of presentation—how casting angle, sink tips, fly depth, and swing speed determine whether your fly actually enters a steelhead's "strike window." Small adjustments in rod position, mending, and step-down pacing can keep the fly in the right zone longer and dramatically increase the odds of a grab. Throughout the masterclass, he explains how to evaluate conditions, execute a thoughtful swing, and adjust based on what the river and fish are telling you. The result is a practical framework that helps anglers move beyond random casting and start fishing each run with purpose and confidence.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 897 | The Science of a Perfect Fly Cast with Ed Jaworowski

    897 | The Science of a Perfect Fly Cast with Ed Jaworowski
    Mar 16 2026

    897 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/897

    Presented by: Togiak River Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho

    In this episode, we dig into the science of a perfect fly cast with legendary casting instructor Ed Jaworowski. We talk about rod loading, loop control, timing, and the small mechanics that make a cast efficient and accurate.

    Ed also shares how he learned alongside Lefty Kreh, and why mastering these details can keep anglers improving for decades.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/897
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Fly Tying Travel with Dave Allison at the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo(Traveled #41)

    Fly Tying Travel with Dave Allison at the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo(Traveled #41)
    Mar 13 2026

    Show Notes: https://wetfyswing.com/896

    Sponsors: wetflyswing.com/visitidaho

    Some fly tying skills come quickly. Others only show up after thousands of flies, years behind the vise, and a lot of mistakes along the way. Proportions, thread control, and material handling are things you really can't shortcut.

    In this episode, I sat down with Dave Allison to talk about fly tying travel, the expo circuit across the West, and the patterns he loves tying when people sit down across the table. We also dug into the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo, one of the best tying events in the country.

    Dave shared some great insights into dry flies, Quigley patterns, Wally Wings, the Found Link, and the small tricks that make a big difference when you're tying or fishing these flies.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 895 | Mountain River Lodge with Jason Pickerill and Jacquie Mosher

    895 | Mountain River Lodge with Jason Pickerill and Jacquie Mosher
    Mar 12 2026

    895 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/895

    Presented by: Fly Fish with me Utah, Drifthook Fly Fishing, TroutRoutes

    Picture this. You're in Colorado with mountains in every direction, and the South Platte running just across the road.

    In this episode, I sit down with Jason Pickerill and Jacquie Mosher from Mountain River Lodge. We talk about how this place began as a historic motor lodge and how they've upgraded it into a true base camp for anglers, hikers, hunters, and groups exploring some of the best water in the state.

    We also dig into the Dream Stream, Mueller State Park, shoulder seasons, and why fall in Colorado is hard to beat.

    This is the home base for our upcoming Landon Mayer trip, and we still have a couple of spots open. If you're interested, send me an email and put "Landon Mayer" in the subject line, and I'll get you the details.


    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/895
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    44 mins