This week I interview Orvis-endorsed guide Jay Aylward [51:05], a largemough bass fanatic on the fly rod, about how to find and catch them.  And not just any largemouth, but trophy bass.  Or at least trophies on a fly rod... In the Fly Box this week, I get some great tips from listeners and also some interesting questions, including: Fly pattern suggestions for a road trip across Colorado What are your top 10 trout flies I should tie? How does water fluctuation below a dam affect trout behavior? I can't catch trout on anything but worm flies and woollies in my local river.  Why can't I catch them on standard nymphs? How do I sort through the creek chubs to catch the nice brook trout below them? Can I cut my poly leader back to make it shorter? What line do I need to put on my 10-foot 8-weight single handed rod if I want to try some two-handed casts? Why did a fly shop put a 6-foot leader on my outfit when I bought it? A listener offers more suggestions on why you should tie your own leaders.A nother suggestion on how to record small streams you fish--the Basemap app. What is an affordable, dependable Orvis rod? Why can't I catch the carp in my local pond?  Do you have any suggestions?

[Interview @ 38:40] There are few things more fun in fly fishing than catching bluegills with a popper or nymph.  For the most part, once you find them it's easy and un-challenging fishing.  But if you want to up your game and chase trophy bluegills, the kind that will put a big bend in a 3-weight rod, you need special techniques.  This week Orvis-endorsed guide Kip Vieth shares his passion for big bluegills, and his special techniques for catching them--even in summer heat. In the Fly Box this week, we answer the following questions from listeners: I had a big brown trout chase my fly right after a big tumble of branches rolled down the river on top of him.  Is this common? What can I do with some grouse feathers I obtained? Does a 7 1/2-foot knotless leader have the same level tippet length as a 9- or 12-footer, or is the tippet length proportional? I started tying my own leaders but had a blood knot break.  Should I go back to knotless leaders? Would it be a good idea to tie smaller streamers with a shank and a trailing stinger as opposed to using a longer-shank hook? I have heard that long-shank hooks don't hold fish as well. What are some good rules for keeping your distance on crowded trout streams? I always hook my fly onto one of my guides but recently I had a guide break when I was pulling the rod apart.  Is that a bad practice and am I weakening the guides by doing this? When someone says they are fishing a 9-foot or 12-foot leader, does that length include the tippet? I had a Davey Knot break on heavy tippet.  Is the Davey Knot weaker in heavier materials? How do I keep the fly line from pulling my leader back inside the guides when making short casts?

This week we continue our exploration of small streams with Brian Slusser in California [@37:47] and Brown Hobson of North Carolina [@1:24:38]. Both are experienced guides and love small stream fishing. Even if you don't fish these regions, you'll find plenty of great tips and fly suggestions for your own region. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and also some great additional information from listeners, including: I have a small bass pond in my neighborhood. What would you suggest regarding patterns and techniques? I have a bunch of old flies from the 1940s. How can I tell if they are still good? Is there a comparable approach to Euro nymphing when fishing for steelhead? Some great information from a listener on the confusion around greenback cutthroat restoration in Colorado. Why aren't all hooks barbless? Do you have any tips on tying with calf body hair? What are some good crab patterns for fishing for striped bass in New England? Can you suggest some tips on tying in biot tails for nymphs like the Copper John? Should I always be fishing my nymphs dead drift or should I try imparting some movement to them? A listener calls in with some great tips for finding small stream trout in Colorado

This week, continuing with my small stream double features programs, I interview Todd Fuchigami of the Ellensburg Angler in Washington [@ 45:48], plus Mel Hayner of Driftless Fly Fishing Company in Minnesota [@1:24:51]. It's been fascinating for me to learn about the similarities, and the differences in small stream techniques throughout the country. Regardless of where you fish, you'll pick up great small stream tips from these two. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and comments: What is your preferred wet-wading outfit, or do you even wade wet at all during the summer? If I need a longer dropper on my dry/dropper rig, should I add the extra length with another section of tippet added to the existing one or should I tie on a whole new dropper? A listener takes me to task and says I should "spend more time on crowded public waters to better answer the fly box questions" What is the best way to fish small streams when they get turbid from a summer rainstorm? A couple book recommendations from a listener on small streams and alpine lakes I normally take both my fly rod and a spinning rod with worms when trout fishing. What do you think of this method? Are "bait chuckers" seen throughout the country or is it just my local fishing culture in Iowa? And what are some ways to help them see the beauty in fly fishing? I have a bunch of old fly lines and rods. How do I figure out what line sizes I have? What really matters when I stare into my fly box? What attributes do you look for and how do you rank them? How often before you decide to switch flies? How do I gauge the size of my hen hackles when tying soft hackles?

[Rachel Therkildsen interview 36:25] [Brett Damm interview 1:04:52] I have been interviewing guides across the country on their techniques for small-stream trout fishing and I want to get these out sooner rather than later, at the peak of small stream trout season.  So this week, we have a special double feature on small trout streams East and West.  We have Rachel Therkildsen on fishing high altitude streams (and lakes) in Colorado, and then we move East to hear about small stream brook trout fishing in the Rangeley region of Maine with Brett Damm of Rangeley Region Fly Shop.   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: I use mostly streamers in high mountain lakes.  Should I be using nymphs and dries? Is there a good resource for organizing my fly boxes? Are there any podcast episodes on panfish? A suggestion from a listener on wearing a wetsuit when fly fishing. Do you have any tips on how to fish difficult waters? I think carp are eating blueback herring spawn on my local river.  Do you have any suggestions on how to catch them? Can I fish emergers upstream? If I take my new Mission rod to Florida to fish deep channels, when should I use a Scandi line and when should I use a Skagit line? Is it OK to carry two rods with different rigs to maximize fishing time? Is it OK to leave my wading boots wet for a day or two.  I always dry them but do I need to do it every day? If I plan to use my Euro nymphing rod for more conventional fishing, should I overline the rod?    

[Interview starts at 37:17]   This week, our podcast is all about carp.  It's a more advanced carp podcast with my buddy Dan Frasier, who is one of the most knowledgeable carp anglers I know.  Carp are almost never easy and sometimes they are damn near impossible.  But they are a fascinating challenge, and a good fish to chase when you aren't able to travel to more exotic places for big fish--something we all need to concentrate on.   I'm going to be doing more podcasts about fishing close to home--a bunch of small stream tips from various parts of the country, and also on bass and panfish.  Stay tuned in the coming months.   In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and suggestions form listeners: Can I fish steelhead with a single-handed rod?  I can't find any information on it. What type of stream bottom is best for rubber with metal studs on the soles, and what type is best with just rubber soles? How can I find small wild trout spring creeks in the Northeast? My flies don't look as good as the ones I buy in a fly shop?  Should I still fish with them even if the bodies do not have as nice a taper or the wings are too long? Does it matter where I put the rubber legs on my panfish flies? A suggestion on how to hold onto big trout when they jump If a fish in a certain feeding lie gets caught every week, will it move away or will it just become harder to catch? What is the best knot for tying a light tippet to a hopper imitation? A tip from a physical therapist who has developed an Instagram channel on mobility and strengthening articles just for fly fishers  Which H3 rod would be best for trout streamers and fairly large bass? What is the difference between a good and a really great fly fisher?

[Interview starts at 41:18] We could all use a little escapism these days, so why not listen to a podcast about adventures in the Amazon?  Fly Fisherman Magazine editor and publisher Ross Purnell, in a pre-Covid recorded interview, will thrill you with his adventures with a fly rod in the Amazon, and you will be shocked at how he celebrated the trip.  Few of us will be traveling to exotic locations this year, and many of us never will, but it is always enlightening to hear about what fishing is like in a different world.   In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and suggestions: Further warnings on UV cure epoxy vapors How do I keep my fly tying organized in a small apartment with a wife, dog, and cat? Can I use steelhead swinging techniques for skating a caddis when trout fishing? How do I learn Euro nymphing? How can I find and catch bigger trout than the 12-inchers I usually catch? Are there any advanced courses to improve my skills in fly fishing? More tips from a fishing guide about how to improve a client's experience Will a very hot car in Texas damage any of my fly-fishing gear? I lose trout when they jump.  What can I do to prevent this? Why didn't you mention Strike Putty in your TV show on using indicators? I caught a trout and got slime on my fly, then the fly didn't work afterward.  Does slime on a fly scare off trout?

[Interview starts at 55:00]  This week, Joe Hebler of the Blue Quill Angler in Evergreen, Colorado, answers the question "How do I become a fishing guide?"  Whether you are graduating from high school or college, or in another career looking to escape daily stresses and an unsatisfying job, Joe gives a great road map on what steps to take to successfully land a job in this competitive field.  And if you aren't interested in becoming a guide, Joe also gives some great tips on current fishing conditions on Colorado streams.   In the Fly Box this week, we answer some questions, share some tips from a listener, and alert people to a threat on one of Pennsylvania's finest trout streams.  Should I buy a 4-weight or a 5-weight rod for trout? Whatever happened to that little barbed thingee that goes into the end of a fly line to attach a leader?  An alert about a proposal by a meat packing plant to withdraw 700,000 gallons of water a day from the springs that feed the headwaters of Fishing Creek.  Are wet flies a legitimate strategy when you have trout rising downstream of your position? How do I get a large trout close to my net if my leader is long? What could I have done to catch a smallmouth bass in deep, clear, swirly water?  What mouse pattern is best and how should I fish it?  A great list of tips on why starting out in a small stream will build your skills for fishing tougher, more technical waters later.  My father wants to remove the brush along our stream to make it easier to cast and for my kids to splash in the river.  Should I try to talk him out of it? What is the best way to remove wind knots from my leader? A listener asks me about my top 3 places to fish I foul hooked a brook trout in the belly but it was only a flseh wound.  Do you think the fish will survive? Should I match my leader length to my rod length?

[Interview starts at 37:18] This week, the podcast is about native trout, specifically the Rio Grande cutthroat of New Mexico.  It's the story of two communities, one a small New Mexico town and the other the Taos Pueblo tribe, told by Toner Mitchell of Trout Unlimited, and Talisa Puentes Ortega, a biologist who worked on the project with the Taos Pueblo.   In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of questions, as usual, including: Can I use Dragon Tails for trout spey? Can I use scaled down versions of classic salmon and steelhead for trout? Can I fix a cut in my 5-weight line? Do you ever wish you could go back in time and fish a particular river? Why do people often recommend different flies for tailwaters as opposed to freestone rivers? How should I rinse my Clearwater reel after fishing in salt water? Do creek chubs in a river indicate the absence of trout? Should I boil my leaders to straighten them? My buddy and I caught nice bass on small nymphs while fishing for sunfish.  Is this a fluke? What are your recommendations for wet wading gear? I bought a hen cape and realize it's not good for dry flies.  What can I use it for? What rod should I get for going after carp, smallmouths, steelhead, and Pacific salmon?

[Interview starts at 45:51] This week's podcast was recorded prior to Covid 19 but I sat on it for awhile because it was about saltwater fly fishing in the San Francisco Bay area and I wanted to wait until sheltering at home restrictions were eased a bit and people could get out to try these ideas.  Sarah Landstrom of Lost Coast Outfitters regularly leads trips for this accessible and interesting urban fishing, and she has some great tips, and even suggestions for locations to try.   In the Fly Box this week, we have a number of interesting questions--plus a great e-mail from a listener on how he successfully uses two-handed rods for nymphing in Alaska.  Some of the questions this week are: Do you think planning a trip with a guide will help me learn new skills? What is the best way to go about asking for permission to fish on private land? I don't have much time to fish.  How can I streamline things and become more efficient so I don't spend all my time rigging and tying knots? Do you think a surgeon's knot is visible to fish? Where on my leader do I put my indicator? Why can I hook trout on dry flies? What locations, flies, and weather conditions are best for night fishing? Should I use mothballs in my fly tying materials? Should I microwave my fly-tying materials?

This week I interview Devin Olsen, who you may know about from competitive fly fishing, but we’re not going to talk about competition. Devin walks us through what to look for when you first approach a stream and how to come up with a strategy for a day of fishing. His new book Tactical Fly Fishing is now available but we get a sneak peak on what you’ll learn from his book. In the Fly Box this week, we talk about: Moving kids from a spinning rod to a switch rod How to deal with muddy and bloody feathers from a duck-hunting friend How to display fly rods in your house If my jig hooks bend when I get stuck in a snag, should I just bend them back and re-use them? If a 5-weight is considered an all-around rod in graphite, is it the same for fiberglass rods? What is the difference between hen necks and hen capes? A great suggestion for carrying a landing net on a plane Do catastrophic floods ruin trout fishing and the insect life? What length and line size do you recommend for both smallmouth bass and steelhead? Can I catch catfish with a fly rod? How should I organize my bonefish fly boxes? Which grain weight in the Depth Charge lines is best for surf fishing?

  This week I have an interview [starts at 39:52] that was recorded pre-Covid with Peter Bring, long-time Montana guide for Blackfoot River outfitters in Missoula.  I always learn new things form every guide I fish with, but I thought Peter had some especially helpful tips on fishing with indicators and dry droppers.  Being on the water every day and expected to produce fish in any condition, guides develop efficient, fun, and easy ways to catch fish and have polished their techniques through thousands of hours of helping other anglers become successful.   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions Has anyone ever caught two fish at once on a two-fly rig? Can I use dog hair to tie flies? I want to chase redfish, pike, steelhead, Pacific salmon, and muskie.  Will an 8-weight rod handle all those species? Can I use the 10-foot sinking Salmon poly leader for trout?  Can I cast it on a 6-weight? What can I tie with hen saddle patches? What switch rod would you recommend for striped bass fishing in the surf? What is the weight relationship between non-toxic wire and lead wire? I live in Switzerland.  What should I expect regarding European fly hatches? I keep losing big trout when they run downstream.  Do you have any suggestions on how I can land more of them? A great tip on joining Trout Unlimited's Citizen Science Initiative Can I use a popper/dropper rig for bass?

[Interview starts at 38:46] This week I have the pleasure of interviewing one of my very favorite non-fiction writers, Mark Kurlansky.  Author of such award-winning books as Cod, Salt, Paper, 1968, and A Continent of Islands, Mark is a tireless journalist who digs into the very essence of anything he does.  His new book, Salmon, is his first book that involves sport fishing as well as the natural and economic history of both Atlantic and Pacific salmon. (And he has a book on fly fishing coming out next April).   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following tips and questions: Should I use a cauterizing pen to clean material out of the eyes of my flies? A host of solid tips for the novice Spey caster from a listener What makes a good skater fly, and how do you fish them? Why don't more people use the drop-shot method when fishing nymphs? How do you attach a dropper to a Euro rig with passing the bottom fly through the loop? How can I fish a Euro rig in really tiny streams? Is my 8-weight rod too light for pike fishing? Where should I fish in relation to a tailrace below a dam, and is a Spey rod a good idea? Why did I see a big smallmouth slowly cruising up a small creek? What is the best way to break off a fly when you are snagged? How can I fish plunge pools in a small stream? Does using a UV light when curing epoxy harm your eyes?

[Interview starts at 27:44] This week I have the pleasure of interviewing perhaps the nicest human being on the planet, Tim Linehan of Linehan Outfitters in Libby, Montana.  I think you'll get a sense of what kind of person he is by listening in.  We talk about how the recent pandemic has affected fishing guides and lodges, but on a more fun note, Tim describes his fishery in northern Montana--the only place in Montana where you can catch a true native rainbow trout (rainbows on famous rivers like the Madison, Bighorn, Missouri, and Gallatin were originally stocked).   In the fly box this week, we have these tips and questions: An easy way to make crab eyes Why don't people use a piece of yarn in between blood knots as a strike indicator? Will a 3-weight switch rod handle streamers for smallmouths? What can I do to protect flies and tying materials? Can I use springbok hair in place of deer hair? Can I fish tungsten nymphs on a sinking line effectively? When do I set the hook when sight-nymphing for trout? How do you re-sharpen fly-tying scissors? If I test my dry flies in water and they tip over on their sides, should I still use them? Some further information on how chemical sharpening of hooks works  

[Interview starts at 37:13] This week I interview Sam Sifton, former Cooking Editor, now Assistant Managing Editor of The New York Times, and an avid fly-rod striped bass angler.  It's quite a rambling discussion, from striper fishing on Long Island to the current state of striper populations to the writing of Peter Matthiessen.  Along the way, of course we get some fish cooking advice but only for bluefish.  Learn why Sam and I don't eat striped bass (and it's more than just about catch-and-release for the sake of the population).   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: Do you have any tips for fishing a very large river? How long do hooks stay sharp, and can I re-sharpen chemically sharpened hooks? Why don't you develop biodegradable hooks? Why am I having problems catching spring trout in Alaska? I was recently fishing a delayed harvest section and caught some smaller, beautifully colored trout.  Do you think they were wild? Why am I developing pains in my wrist when casting my 8-weight? Should I concentrate on getting really good at catching just one species, or should I try for all the species that are available in my area? In a boundary layer between dirty and clean water, where will I find the trout? In your TV show, you recommended a full sinking or depth charge line for bass in deep water.  Can I use a sinking poly leader on my floating line as well? I am having trouble tying off the hackle at the base of the post on my parachute flies like the Klinkhammer.  Can you suggest some tips? Can I get a fly rod that will be good for both steelhead and musky?

[Interview starts at 38:00]   This week I interview Mark Melnyk, host and producer of The New Fly Fisher TV show and the co-producer of The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing Season 2.  We tell some stories about what it's like filming a show and share some nasty tricks we played on cameramen over the past year.  The Orvis show premieres this week on World Fishing Network, but shows will also premiere for the next 13 weeks every Sunday on The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing You Tube Channel.  Season 2 will also appear on PBS and on Amazon Prime later in the year, once we have all the shows completed.   In the Fly Box this week, we have a couple good tips from listeners (actually adding information to topics previously discussed on podcasts) including more detail on polarized lenses and why tilting your head helps, and also some additional information on keeping your muscles and joints in shape when fishing.   We also have these questions: Should I wait to buy a first fly rod now, or should I  wait until I can go to an Orvis FF101 class once the stores re-open? What suggestions do you have to help me tie on those size 20 and smaller flies? I need up to 8 false casts to cast 60 feet.  What am I doing wrong? I enjoyed watching you tie a Clouser Minnow.  How should I fish this fly for smallmouth bass in a river? Why is it not OK to trim hackle on dry flies? What data would you add to a streamside journal? Do you think personal hygiene affects the sense of smell of trout? Once I start traveling again I want to try some saltwater species.  Which ones should I target on my trip?

[Interview starts at 36:56] Sooner or later, if you fish a lot you WILL develop issues with your elbows or shoulders.  And it's not just us old geezers who suffer from these--I often meet much younger anglers with the same problems.  Anita Coulton is both a fishing guide for Crosscurrent Guide Service and a physical therapist, so she is intimately familiar with the issues we face, how to help prevent them, and how to fix them when they occur.  If you have ever had these problems, or if you just want to know how to keep your upper body in shape for fishing I think you'll benefit from the podcast.   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips:   How do I slim down my fly selection for small-stream fishing? What is the best way to fish crayfish patterns? A question about trout feeding times in relation to season and sunlight I want to catch trout but have only been bass fishing.  What fly line should I get? Should I get a 6-weight or 7-weight rod for smallmouth bass? I fish a really snaggy river.  Should I tie all of my favorite nymphs on jig hooks? Is a 9-foot or 10-foot rod better in the wind? Should I get a Helios 3D or 3F or a Superfine glass rod for all-around fishing in Alberta?  I want to get a 4-weight What is the best all-around color for sunglass lenses? A tip on retrieving lost flies with your magnetic net holder When looking at a fly recipe, how do you know what order to tie in materials? Why wouldn't my spin reel fit on my fly rod, and is it a good idea to put a spin reel on a fly rod?

Interview starts at 32:13 We’ve done a bit with trout Spey on the podcast, but never one specifically on flies for trout Spey.  Luckily, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, who produces the best fly tying videos, has become a trout Spey addict and in the podcast he talks about tactics and tying special patterns for Trout Spey. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following tips and questions: When king salmon move into a pool, do they push the resident trout around? During high water, do trout swim around a lot? A great tip on tilting your head for better glare reduction with polarized lenses Are long-shank hooks a good or bad idea for pike fishing? Why aren’t there more white trout flies? Why is it tough to catch trout in the Northeast during the winter? What advantages does a 10-foot 8-weight H3 rod offer over a 9-footer? I have heard that a heavier rod helps you land bigger fish.  Won’t a lighter rod offer better tippet protection? Is there one line that will work for both Lake Texacoma and Gulf Coast salt water? Is UV resin toxic?  Does it have a strong smell?

Check out Tom's upcoming episode on pre-spawn bass.

This week I interview the great George Daniel (interview starts at 48:40), who you will see soon in the new installments of the Orvis TV show.  The show I did with him, on Euro Nymphing basics, should be premiered sometime in May.  But until then, George discusses the pros and cons of using straight monofilament vs. and actual fly line for Euro Nymphing—both have their advantages and George gives us some good guidance on their use, as well as other tips on this deadly method of fly fishing borrowed from competition anglers.  We also get sidetracked on the future of fly fishing and how both of us view the participation of younger anglers today.   In this Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions: I am taking a six-day backpacking trip into the Appalachians.  How much water should I expect to cover in a day of fishing? How do I combat the “old boy” network in fly fishing? What strategies do you recommend for carp in a small lake? What does “web” refer to in fly tying, and what is schlappen? Do you think a Helios 905F will be good enough for fishing the Blackfoot, Rock Creek, Gallatin, and Yellowstone Rivers or will I need a 905D? How do you go about experimenting with new fly patterns you have tied? Can I catch carp on a fly during the winter? I have trouble with “trout setting” in salt water.  Should I use a strip strike in all my trout fishing to get out of the habit? Why doesn’t Orvis offer water testing kits? I know trout do 90% of their feeding underwater, but I have recently discovered how effective a dry fly can be, even when no trout are rising. Why should tippet size matter when fish can always see the hook? Do you have a recommended leader for juvenile tarpon, and also for barracuda?

Interview starts at 41:08 New York State’s Salmon River—you either love it or hate it, and some of us love and hate it at the same time.  It’s an amazing resource, with large quantities of high-quality fish that are often chrome-bright and every bit as hot as their ocean-going relatives.  It’s a beautiful river.  It’s got great water for swinging flies.  And then there’s the tough news.  A river this productive will draw crowds, and some of them are not as well-behaved as most of us would like.  But you can get away from crowds on this river, and Matt Ertzinger,  veteran guide with Tailwater Lodge, shares his secrets on when to fish the river, how to avoid crowds, and what flies and tackle to use.  Is it worth the trip?  This podcast may help you decide.   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following tips and questions: Should I feel dirty about using Squirmies and similar flies? What rod can I use for bass in Mississippi and trout in Arkansas? Are there scuds and sowbugs in Eastern rivers? What advantages do the new Recon Euro-nymphing rods offer? Can I put a 9-weight line on my 6-8 weight reel? Can I prevent my fly line from stacking to one side of the spool? How can I fish a tiny, brushy stream in southern California? How can I get my flies deeper in fast, deep water when fishing for sea-run brook trout? What is the best ay to fish for pike in a small stream? How can I put the hatch guidebook that I bought to good use?

This week we talk about Project Healing Waters and the amazing things it has done for veterans with both physical and mental issues due to their service.  Over 8,000 veterans have been introduced to the healing properties of nature and fly fishing in this program, with hundreds of chapters throughout the country and thousands of volunteers.  Todd Desgrosseilliers, decorated Marine veteran and a beneficiary of this program personally, is now the president of Project Healing Waters and he talks frankly about his experiences as a participant and then as an administrator.  Learn about the program and how you can get involved, whether you are a veteran in need of healing or as a possible volunteer.   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips: What effects on fishing will the Australian wildfires have? If I see a lot of tiny black stoneflies in the water, does that mean I should be fishing imitations of them? A great additional suggestion on the benefits of a rotary fly-tying vise A stream near me is stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout but it can support wild trout.  Why are there only wild rainbows in this stream? Can flies be made by machine? What stream conditions are best for a single-handed Spey cast? How do I tie a second streamer behind an articulated streamer? What should I teach my wife, who has never fly fished, before we go on a guided trip together? How can I practice for a tarpon trip if I only have an 8-weight rod? What technique would you use on the Green River in Utah? Is my 8 ½ foot 7 weight rod enough rod to use on the Salmon River in New York?

Interview starts at 51:28 This week’s podcast is a spirited discussion with Dr. Andy Danylchuk, Professor of Fish Conservation at UMass Amherst, Science Advisor for Keep Fish Wet (www.keepemwet.org) and Research Fellow for Bonefish Tarpon Trust. My question to Andy was about the effectiveness of catch-and-release as a conservation tool, and as always when talking with a scientist it depends on your definitions. Like “What is conservation?” and predictably that varies with a person’s values and experiences. I thought it was a thought-provoking conversation and hope you do was well. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: How do you put the hackle on a Stimulator? What’s the best way to be ready for smaller cutthroats or big bull trout at the same time? How can I maximize my success when fishing with my 4-year-old? How can I plan  trip to fish the Rocky Mountains? Why do I keep losing fish? Where do natural fly tying materials come from? What is the best way to cast big streamers or nymph rigs? What rod do you recommend for fishing Chesapeake Bay? A tip for a great, inexpensive seine for trout streams Where do you draw the line between ethical and unethical use of electronics when fishing? What do you think of ultra-light fly fishing? Should I get a saddle or cape for tying flies? Do you recommend upgrading to a premium fly-tying vise? Can you explain the difference between tailwaters, headwaters, and freestone rivers?

Interview segment begins at 43:02 I get regular and frequent questions on the differences between nylon and fluorocarbon tippet—when and where to use them, appropriate knots, special properties, and shelf life.  I used to be involved in the development process of tippet and have visit many places where tippet is made.  But that was years ago and a lot of progress has been made since my time in product development.  So I invited Josh Jenkins, R&D manager at Scientific Anglers, to talk about recent innovations in tippet material.  Josh is intimately involved in the development and testing of tippet for both Orvis and Scientific Anglers, and his knowledge is far greater that mine.  I think you’ll learn some surprising tips on both tippet material construction and knots because I learned a lot in speaking with Josh. The Fly Box this week is a little different.  This one was recorded live at The Fly Fishing Show in Edison New Jersey.  Rather than telling you what kinds of questions were asked (none of which were prompted or ones I had heard beforehand) I’ll let you discover these on your own.  You never know what might happen in New Jersey…

Being a camera gear geek, I was delighted to interview Chris Niccolls  (interview starts at 47:16) of DP Review TV. (If you are also a camera geek, you probably read DP Review regularly.) Chis is a photography teacher as well as a video star, has worked in camera shops, and currently works in a fly shop in Calgary. In the interview, he gives some fantastic tips on how to take better fish and fishing pictures in both the video and still formats. He also suggests some brands and models of phones, cameras, and drones that he feels are best suited for fishing photography.  I know I learned a whole mess of new tricks for taking better fishing pictures, and I am sure you will, too. In the Fly Box, we cover plenty of topics that may help answer questions you have had about fly fishing: Should I get a 6½-foot or 7½-foot rod for small streams?  What weight line is best, and should I get a Double Taper or Weight Forward line? Do you carry a small seine with you when trout fishing? How many wind knots should I expect in a day of fishing? I fish for salmon and stripers.  Should I get a full-sinking or sinking-tip line in addition to my floating line? How do you travel with fly rods?  Do you carry them on or check them? Would a 12-foot, 6-inch two-handed rod be OK for both stripers and smallmouths? What do you think offly clips? Should I use nylon or Fluorocarbon tippets for dries and nymphs? I have lost my passion for fly fishing.  Does this ever happen to you? A suggestion from a listener on targeting white bass in Texas on their spawning runs If I only had one type of line for stripers, bass, and pike because of expense, what line should I buy? Do you have any suggestions for catching stocked trout when the spin guys are catching tons of them using corn as bait? Is there a big difference between the Battenkill IV Spey and Battenkill IV disc? Is there an advantage to using a rotary vise? How long does it take trout eggs to hatch?

I get frequent requests for suggestions on what fly-fishing literature to read during these long winter nights when you want to enjoy fly fishing but don’t want to snuggle up to something lighter.  I invited David Van Wie (interview starts at 45:10), author of the recently published book Storied Waters—subtitled “35 Fabled Fly Fishing Destinations and the Writers and Artists Who Made The Famous”—to share with me his favorite writers and books.  It is pretty much an eastern-oriented tour of these books, but don’t worry.  I have an idea for someone to do a similar podcast on western North America writers on a future podcast so stay tuned.  In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and suggestions from listeners—and one who slapped my hands: A listener who took me to task for encouraging another listener to try to introduce mayflies from one watershed into another.  Shame on me.  I didn’t think about also transferring other unwanted critters and I should have known better Can I use the same nymphs under an indicator that I use when Euro nymphing and vice versa? A suggestion from a listener about the great classes available at Orvis stores What are the pros and cons of indicator vs. non-indicator nymphing? What is your opinion on click-and-pawl fly reels? Does anyone rent waders?  I don’t want to pack them into my luggage. What gear do you carry when saltwater fly fishing that you would not carry on a trout stream? Can I attach droppers to a tippet ring? Why can’t I catch stocked trout when conventional anglers are yanking them in on Power Bait? I had a trout take my plastic strike indicator.  Does this ever happen to you? Does perfection matter when tying flies?  I have trouble tying a size 20 Purple Prince. Do midges migrate to Indiana during the winter? Why can’t I catch stocked trout on surface flies?

Tired of crowded trout streams?  Looking for a new fish to catch on a fly rod that will give you a tussle and challenge your skills?  Look no further than the white bass, which is a common fish in many parts of the US, from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi drainage and has even been introduced into some western lakes.  My friend Jim Weatherwax is a white bass fanatic (he also fishes for wipers in the same waters, which are a freshwater sterile hybrid of a white bass and a striped bass) and offers solid advice on where to find these great fish, what tackle to use, and best techniques to catch them.  Warmwater fish like this are great ways to spread out the fishing pressure that we all experience from time to time.   We have a long fly box this week, with lots of interesting questions and tips from listeners, including: What does it mean when a fly rod is rated for more than one line size, like 5/6? Should I use a full fluorocarbon leader when fishing with indicators? A suggestion on looking for blue cheeks and clean halos when trying to tell if a brown trout is wild. What is the difference between the new Recon 2 and the Helios 3 rods?  Should I buy a wading shoe one size larger than my shoe size when buying wading bots online? What do you think of using 2X short hooks for small nymphs? I am not able to catch fish on streamers during the winter in a tailwater.  What am I doing wrong? Are fluorescent hot spots on nymphs effective? Is it ethical to trim small tree branches in trout streams? Why do trout only take big attractor dry flies right after they land on the water? Are UV resins really effective? Why am I losing so many trout when fishing small nymphs?  Am I setting the hook wrong? Do you have some suggestions for catching American shad? Is it worth it to tie your own leaders?  And if I do, how can I attach them to my fly line without a loop-to-loop connection? Why do small brown trout attack huge streamers? Should I get a Helios 3 D or F version for fishing UK chalk streams? A suggestion for wearing nitrile gloves for winter fishing.

This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Orvis Executive Chairman of the Board, Perk Perkins, who spends a great deal of time chasing fish on saltwater flats and is one of the best technical anglers I know. Perk and I share a fascination for barracuda. They are one of the most exciting fish you can catch on the flats, but are often ignored in favor of bonefish, permit, and tarpon. But cudas offer one of the most explosive strikes in fly fishing, run and jump like maniacs, and are often on the flats when other species are hard to find. You just need to modify your leader and your technique a bit to catch them, and Perk shares some tips on cudas that run contrary to popular conceptions—including the idea that faster is not always better on your retrieve, and that small, slim flies can work as well as bulkier flies designed for barracuda. In the Fly Box this week, we have an assortment of questions and tips shared by listeners, including: A recommendation for a reliable carp fly A question about putting a 9-weight intermediate line on an 8-weight rod for wade fishing for striped bass A tip on modifying the Hare’s Ear Nymph A question about a simple dry/emerger that does not require hackle A suggestion for holding flies using the magnetic closure on some fly boxes A question about how to find winter hatches on trout streams A question about Euro nymphing using rods not designed for that purpose A question about the tip-flex rating on an older Orvis rod A question about hatches on alpine lakes just after ice-out. Are Helios 3 and Recon blanks made overseas? What is the best way to teach my 8-year-old son to cast? A suggestion for contacting local fly clubs for information when traveling to a new destination Are spin anglers less ethical than fly anglers regarding crowding on the river?

This week I have another podcast with John McMillan, as I have to confess I love talking to John about fishy stuff.  His knowledge and enthusiasm and passion are infectious and I think his interviews are always enlightening.  This week we talk about The Colors of Trout—can we tell anything from the coloration of trout about their life history?  Is there a good way to tell a hatchery form a wild fish?  What does it mean when trout carry parr marks into adulthood?  How quickly can trout change their coloration?  And are the spot patterns on trout like fingerprints?  Warning—we come up with more questions than answers and you may as well.   In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: A way to get a dropper off a surgeon’s knot to stand at 90 degrees to the tippet A suggestion for an all-around rod for bass and Great Lakes steelhead How to carry a sinking line without lugging around a second rod Can I add 4X tippet to a 5X leader? What is the best way to dispose of tippet clippings? What is the difference between Euro, Tightline, Direct Contact, Spanish, Czech, and French Nymphing? Does it make sense to try a mouse fly during the winter? Do trout live in different places in freestone rivers than in tailwaters? Do mayflies live in warm waters? What is the best rod for an 8-year-old kid? What is the best way to thin UV Cure epoxy? If you see nymphs on the bottom, can you predict what adult insect to imitate?

There's no such thing as streamer season. That’s the rallying cry of Courtney Despos, director of education and guide for Trouts Fly Fishing in Denver.  Courtney is a self-professed streamer fanatic and she fishes them all season long, even in the dead of winter when most people are dragging nymphs along the bottom.  Courtney shares her tips on winter streamer fishing, showing us how you can be successful fishing these flies all year long—as well as her tips for keeping warm when winter fishing. In the Fly Box this week, we have the usual mashup of questions that range all over the place, including: When I am fishing a hopper/scud combination, why do I have trouble hooking fish on the hopper even though the trout appear to be taking it? A past fan of very fast rods details why she now enjoys rods with a more moderate action. A listener gives a detailed plan for killing carpet beetles in fly-tying materials Has anyone ever made a fly rod out of aluminum? When is the second season of the Orvis TV show going to launch? What are some good casting drills for the off season? A plea from a listener in Louisiana for fly tiers to use nutria fut What is a good entomology book for the Sierra region? What is your opinion on furled leaders? What are your thoughts on fluorocarbon?  What sizes should I carry? Further advice from a taxidermist on curing hides for fly tying I need some advice on fighting large trout in a tight stream A specialist in opthamology and visual sciences weighs in on dizziness after being in a drift boat Can I use my 9-foot 6-weight bass rod for trout? Why does the loop in my clear intermediate line keep cracking and what can I do to fix it? Do whitefish and trout live in the same places? Can I use my 9-foot 8-weight rod uplined to a 9-weight for trout in northern lower Michigan?

This week I interview one of my fly-fishing heroes, Joe Humphreys.  He’s been an innovative angler all his life (he was “Euro nymphing” before the Europeans) but even more impressive is his love of life and fly fishing, and his energy on the river in his ninth decade.  Joe talks about hot to stay young on the river, how to fish nymphs at night, and about the inspirational new film about his life called Live The Stream: The Story of Joe Humphrey.  It’s now available own and rent on the iTunes Store:  or Go to www.livethestreamfilm.com to buy the film on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Download and more platforms including: Prime Video, Google Play, Vimeo, and Youtube.  I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys the fly-fishing world and its history and traditions—and who wants to learn how to retain the enthusiasm of a 12-year old on the water.   Here are the important links:   Buy the film on LTS site: www.livethestreamfilm.com Buy/Rent on iTunes: https://apple.co/2Iw0fQj Nomadic Studio: www.thenomadic.com   In the Fly Box this week we have many interesting questions and suggestions: What is the best way to manage fly tying both at home and in the office? I broke my Tenkara rod when I got my fly snagged.  What is the safest way to try to retrieve a snagged fly when using this type of rod? Why won’t my clinch knots tighten properly? How can I get over my reluctance to fish emergers? A suggestion from a taxidermist on how to handle raw deer hides for fly tying. Do trout take Perdigons in unnatural colors out of curiosity or do you think they resemble food? What is an easy way to learn fly-fishing entomology? Why do the trout I take in mountain streams carry parr marks even into adulthood? What do I tell people who berate me for torturing fish? Are there circumstances when I should set my indicator shallower than 1 ½ times the water depth? I can’t seem to get away from the crowds no matter how far I drive.  What should I do? If I find lots of creek chubs in a stream, does that mean it won’t also hold trout? If you are not certain how to pair two streamers together, does it make sense to fish just one? Can I use split shot to get my nymphs deeper when Euro nymphing instead of tying my own flies with varied weights? Do you have some tips for casting a Depth Charge line? Do you have some suggestions on how to swing flies for Great Lakes steelhead?

This week I had a couple guests lined up but we had to reschedule, and because I have not done a new podcast in a few weeks because of my travel schedule I decided to tell a story. It’s from a magazine piece I did a number of years ago for the now-defunct magazine Fly Rod & Reel, and I have been toying with the idea of doing an audio book of my magazine stories over the years so I’m trying this to test the concept. The name of the story is “Creeped Out in Lordville” and it’s about all the decisions we have to make in the prime part of the season when fishing is good almost anywhere. It’s a departure from the usual podcast format of nuts-and-bolts advice so I hope you enjoy it. And not to fear, there is still a Fly Box section where I do offer advice on simple technique and tackle questions if that’s the kind of stuff you’re looking for. In the Fly Box this week, we have the questions and suggestions from readers: Some great professional advice on that recurring theme of lower back pain while fly fishing What are the practical benefits of smooth vs. textured lines in the new Orvis Pro Fly Lines? What do competitive anglers do for their own nymphing when not bound by competition rules? How do you fish for brown trout at night? What are times to avoid when trout fishing? Is air temperature, flow, or water temperature the most important consideration for trout fishing when the heat of summer is over? Why did a brown trout swim over to me and rub my ankles? Is there one rod I can use for both Midwest steelhead fishing and musky fishing? A suggestion that Bigeye Hooks have benefits beyond just easier threading Why does my nymph rig break at the surgeon’s knot instead of the clinch knot connection to the fly? What’s the best feather for palmering wet flies? What are some “go to” patterns for Euro nymphing? After I catch a fish, should I stay in the same pool or move on?

In today's podcast my guest is Shawn Combs, head of Orvis Rod & Tackle product development and Orvis rod and reel designer.  The topic is "16 Things I Wish I Knew About Trout Spey Before I Started".  If you have been thinking about trying to swing wet flies or small streamers for trout with a two-handed rod, also known as "Micro Spey", this will be a valuable lesson for you.  These are light two-handed rods, in line sizes 3 and 4, designed for covering larger waters.  It's especially effective in the fall, when trout are getting aggressive as the move into winter and brown and brook trout are migrating to their spawning grounds.  It's a fun and for many of us a new way to fish for trout.  In the Fly Box this week, here are some of the questions and suggestions from listeners: I know there are large trout in my river.  What kind of water do I look for and what else should I keep in mind when targeting these larger fish? I have been setting the hook on smallmouth bass by sweeping my rod parallel to the water.  Can you take a moment or two to discuss the pros and cons of various rod angles when setting the hook? How can I tell if my waders are leaking or if I am just sweating inside them? My wife and I had over 40 fish rise to our dry flies and only hooked a couple.  Any idea what was going on or how to land these fish? What, to you, is the essence of Atlantic salmon fishing? A tip from a listener on how to target flathead catfish on a fly If I take my nine weight switch rod to Florida, what line size should I use on it for fishing from the surf? A suggestion from a listener on another thing to be careful of regarding river etiquette. What is the best way to get unstuck when you hook your fly on an object? Do you have any recommendations on fishing crayfish patterns for smallmouth bass? When there is thick aquatic weed on a river, what do you suggest for nymphing techniques? Why am I suddenly beginning to hit my rod on my back cast? A suggestion from a listener on the benefits of multi-focal contact lenses.

This week my guest is noted steelhead angler and scientist John McMillen of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. John’s topic is The Secret Life of Steelhead, and his fascinating discussion of why they do what they do (and the challenges they face) held me in absolute fascination. I am sure you’ll feel the same. Besides being a lifelong steelhead angler (John was a tester on our new Mission Series of two-handed rods), john has spent hundreds of days snorkeling steelhead rivers observing them, and at one time he was fishing about 345 days a year. John has worked professionally for the US Forest Service, the Hoh Indian Tribe, the Wild Salmon Center, and recently for NOAA on the Elwha dam removal project. Despite his lifetime of studying the life history and ecology of steelhead, John remains an optimist on the future of steelhead and it gives us hope that someone who understands them so well feels they have a chance of survival. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and suggestions from listeners: How to clean waders with vodka! A tip on a simple tool for tying nail knots A suggestion for a quick change rig for catching barracuda when fishing for bonefish and permit Why am I having trouble hooking brown trout on terrestrials? What waders do you recommend for someone starting out? What safety precautions do you take on the water? When you first get to the river, how do you decide which nymphing technique to use? What regular fly line size works on the Practicaster? Is there a good way to mark large smallmouth bass so I can see if I am catching the same ones? Silver saltwater hooks don’t work well for me when I fish Clousers in salt water. Why? I have a box of old leaders that are between five and 20 years old. Should I use them? Can I fish for steelhead in Lake Ontario tributaries with a 9-foot 8-weight rod? Why do I see so many scarred fish in a particular river? What other presentations should I use in high, dirty water when streamers don’t work?

This week, my guest is Orvis COO Simon Perkins, a lifelong fly fisher with 8 years of full-time guiding experience prior to working for Orvis. The subject is “Seek the Inside”, getting detailed about reading the water in a place that many anglers ignore—and one of the best places to find trout. Learn how to find these inside places and how to fish them from a highly experienced guide and fly fisher—and a great story teller. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: How do I keep my fine scissors sharp? What should I avoid cutting with them? I have an 8 ½ foot 5 weight Encounter rod and need something bigger as well. What weight rod should I think of for my next one? A great tip on how to relieve lower back pain when fishing all day. Why don’t we have wild rainbow trout in more streams if they are so easy to grow in a hatchery? What is causing my leader to twist when fishing with a dry dropper? What are some good fly patterns to tie for panfish, ones that are easy for a beginner to tie? What would cause a large brown trout to suddenly dart erratically in all directions and then return to the same spot? What can I do to keep the tip of my floating line from sinking? Why am I having so much trouble making short casts on small streams? Is a 5-weight rod too small for bass? Can Antron be used as a parachute post material? Why do the wings on my poly wing spinners sweep back along the body and how can I fix it? How would you approach an unknown stream if you only had a few hours to fish?

This week’s podcast is called “Secrets of Lake Erie Steelhead Tributaries” and my guest expert is Alberto Rey, a longtime Orvis-Endorsed Guide and is also Distinguished Professor for Research and Creative Activity in the State University of New York system. He is a fine artist who specializes in Cuban-influenced scenes and such esoteric subjects as steelhead and extinct birds. Alberto also does some fine work with a youth fly-fishing program. Despite all his interests and activities days on the river with him are surrounded by an aura of calm and he’s a wonderful person to share a day with on the river. In the podcast he gives us tips on seasons, fly patterns, techniques, and tackle needed to chase steelhead in the eastern portion of Steelhead Alley—although steelhead anglers will learn tips they can use on smaller rivers anywhere steelhead are found. In the Fly Box this week we tackle the usual array of both advanced and basic questions including: What retrieve should I use when saltwater fly fishing? I tried it in Greece and didn’t catch anything. Can I use Poly Leaders for both steelhead in Oregon and saltwater species in California on my single-handed rod? A great tip from a listener on how to use bobber stoppers to make an adjustable dry/dropper rig. If I want to extend the butt on my leader, how do I know what size to use? How do I modify my hook-setting technique on downstream dry flies? Why do some brook trout carry parr marks throughout their life? What do you recommend for targeting perch in France? How do you tell a male from a female brown trout?

I frequently get questions about Stillwater trout fishing, and although I love it I am not very good at it. So I enlisted one of the best Stillwater teachers I know, Phil Rowley, and asked him to discuss something more advanced that relates to Stillwater trout fishing. The result is a very detailed discussion of fishing nymphs, especially midge imitations, on a very long leader. With this technique you can fish surprisingly deep—if you are patient! In the Fly Box this week we have the following questions: Is there any value in underlining a fly rod? How do I get foul odors out of my waders? How do I target stripers and smallmouth when the water is over 70 degrees and trout are also present? What is your go-to technique in a trout stream if you don’t see anything feeding? If you could only select one sequence, would you pick odd or even sizes of fly rods? My lower back is killing me after a long day of fishing. What can I do to alleviate this problem? How do I approach a stretch of river with deep pools and virtually no current? How can I teach my friends to recognize a strike to a nymph? Is it safe to bring the line/leader connection inside my rod guides? I am going to the Yellowstone area. Is it worth it to hire a guide?

Secrets of catching sipping trout with Dave Perkins This week I interview Dave Perkins, Orvis Vice Chairman and one of the best technical anglers I know. Dave loves geeky challenges and is an expert at catching those picky large trout that lay up against the banks and sip small flies—ones that most anglers don’t even notice. In the Fly Box this week we have the following questions: Can I use a Bimini Twist knot to attach my leader to my fly line? Why does a trout that is sipping quietly suddenly attack my dry fly? Is there a way to land large trout in a small stream without a net? A tip on using split ring pliers for removing split shot. How do you choose where to go fishing when there are so many options? What books did you use when starting out, and where do you get your information these days? How do I avoid foul hooking fish when dry dropper fishing with a nymph on a short dropper Which is better, a fiberglass or bamboo rod? Is there a way to connect a tarpon or cuda fly directly to my bonefish fly? I have heard it can be done with a loop. How do I know how fast to set the hook on rising trout? Is it ethical to target bass on spawning beds?

This week the main topic of the podcast is the issue of etiquette on our more crowded trout streams, in particular the conflicts that have arisen due to the popularity of fishing from drift boats and the issues that have developed both with boat and wade anglers. My guest is Wade Fellin, Montana native, lifelong fishing guide, and lodge owner. Wade gives some examples of recent poor etiquette he’s seen on his home river, the Big Hole, and how these kinds of conflicts can be avoided. We also explore some ways that clients as well as guides can help mitigate these issues. In the Fly Box this week, as usual we have some interesting questions (and tips) that I hope will be of interest to everyone. Some of the topics we explore are: What do you think of flies with spinner blades in front of them? Are Tenkara rods good in small brushy streams? Should I be worried about fishing in a lightning storm with my graphite rod? What are your thoughts about orientation on articulated hooks? What can I do about CDC getting slicked back on my flies? Is swinging flies for smallmouths a valid tactic? Can I swing wet flies with my level competition line? What can I do about red dye running from materials on my flies? Is it OK to use a level leader when surf and jetty fishing? What can we do about fish in heavily fished areas getting mangled mouths? Can I catch catfish on a fly? I have heard people say they catch trout with 80-foot casts? What is a practical casting distance?

This week, back by popular demand is Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, who is one of the best fly-tying teachers around and also produces the best tying videos on the Internet (like our One-Minute Fly Tying Tips, available on Orvisnews.com or in the Orvis Learning Center.)  Tim and I talk about great new patterns and old patterns that should be resurrected, as well as taking old patterns and incorporating modern materials into them.  We also discuss that state of fly-tying today, which is probably more exciting than at any other time in history because of the great interchange of ideas in places like Instagram and You Tube. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and suggestions: Suggestion on how to keep your split shot from sliding down the leader Suggestion on how to remove water from dry flies that won’t cost you a cent! Do nymphs work all season long?  What method should I start with? Should I do anything to maintain my old Orvis Green Mountain outfit? What do you think of foam posts for parachute flies? How do I catch rolling tarpon in deep water?  How can I catch gar on a fly? Can I use big streamers on small streams in Central New York? I like short rods.  Should I get the 6-foot Superfine Carbon or 6/12-foot Orvis Superfine Glass rod? Can I buy the right Comparadun hair online?

This week my guest is Davy Wotton, originally from Wales but who now lives and guides on the White River in Arkansas. I get frequent questions about swinging soft hackles and wet flies, and honestly I am not the best at this technique so I brought in who I consider the ultimate expert on this kind of fishing. Davy blends the British traditions with American conditions so he really has the best perspective on this kind of fishing, which can be both challenging and subtle—especially when fish are taking emergers. It’s a LONG podcast, but since I have never done one on this topic I make up for lost time. And Davy had many interesting points to make. The Fly Box is a bit shorter this week because the main podcast is so long. But we cover some interesting questions as usual: What can I do to keep my Stimulators floating? When do you fish a nymph and when do you fish a streamer? Can you use weed guards on trout flies? Why am I breaking off so many fish? Do some rod guides work better than others? More on pressure and its effects on fish What is the difference between a freshwater and saltwater rod? How can I see my fly in a fast riffle? How do I know if small streams hold trout? Why do trout bump my flies and why do they come off quickly?

This week’s podcast is not about using alternative methods to a bobber or strike indicator.  It’s how to make your fishing more effective—and more fun—when you do use a bobber.  And my special guest is Ben Sittig from Colorado, better known to those of you who follow You Tube and Instagram as The HUGE Fly Fisherman.  His videos and posts are helpful but funny, and as he admits, a bit snarky.  But in a good way and his advice is solid.  Ben talks about how, by concentrating on the indicator itself we don’t realize what is going on beyond it, down where our flies are drifting, and offers some solid advice.  And then we run out of bobber stuff to talk about so we both get up on our respective soap boxes and talk about the state of the world of fly fishing, particularly when it comes to social media.  I hope you find our ramblings entertaining. In the Fly Box this week we have lots of interesting questions.  One of the best batches in a long time.  Maybe I’m training you to ask questions I can answer or maybe it’s just because everyone is fishing and has some great thoughts in their heads. When you make a heavier fly rod, do you use the same taper and just add material? How to I kill off carpet beetles in my fly-tying capes? Why can I catch brown trout in four to five feet of water but not in those 10-foot pools? I have to drive over two hours to catch trout.  How can I learn more about fly fishing? Is it easier to hook trout on a Tenkara rod than on a conventional rod? Is there any function in different eye types on hooks? Do you know of a good way to make an adjustable nymph dropper for a dry/dropper rig? Why won’t trout that are feeding on smaller flies eat my Stimulator? What is the best way to add four feet of level tippet to a fly line when streamer fishing? How far do stocked brown trout move? Why can I only catch trout on olive streamers when my river has sculpins in it? Why does my tippet get twisted when I fish big foam flies?

We all learn something every time we go fishing, even the amazing vacuum cleaner Jesse Haller, our resident Euro nymphing expert.  So I asked Jesse what he has learned over the past 12 months, and it’s a fun and eye-opening interview that got me excited about trying some new ideas and strategies for Euro nymphing.  I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: Is there a good way to figure out what fly sizes I can use on a given rod? Can I use big trout streamers for Atlantic salmon?  Why are traditional salmon flies tied they way they are? I have trouble with line handling with two-handed rods.  What should I do? I can’t find smallmouth bass in my river even though I know they live there.  What kind of water should I look for? Why do some hook styles come in odd sizes like 13 and 15? I can’t get enough distance on big lakes with my 9 foot 6 weight Recon rod.  Would a longer rod help?  Would a two-handed rod get me more distance? Is it necessary to pinch the barb on hooks smaller than size 20? Why can’t I get flies shipped from the US to Canada, and is there any way to get around this? If I catch a big fish, is it OK to go back to try and catch it again in the same day? I am having trouble deciding on the right line for bass fishing on my 909 rod.  Some bass bug lines are rated two line sizes heavier.  What should I do?

This is a special backcast episode in that we also are posting an accompanying video over on the Orvis Fly-Fishing Video Podcast. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe! Here is Tom's summary from when this ran in March of 2011: We have a very exciting podcast for you this week. Many of you have asked for a pike podcast, and we've delivered what I think is one of our best presentations in two parts. Part 1 is an audio interview I conduct with pike expert Drew Price, where he goes into great detail on where, when, and how to catch pike. Also in part 1, we have some tips in the Fly Box section on fishing CDC flies, choosing one rod for bass and trout, and how to get your nymph deep in small plunge pools. Part 2 is a video where we have tips on pike fishing (along with some shots of nice pike caught on a fly), courtesy of The New Fly Fisher TV show. I know I learned a ton from interviewing Drew and watching the video and can't wait to get at the pike this spring.

It’s not difficult to catch walleye on the fly if you know where and when to go after them. I have gotten frequent requests from listeners on how to catch walleye on the fly and have never been able to find the right expert guest. Then, a few weeks ago while filming a bass fishing episode for the upcoming second season of the Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide TV show, I found my expert—Ted Putnam of Hawk Lake Lodge. Ted has shown numerous experts how to catch not only just walleye but trophy walleye on the fly, and he shares his expertise on when and where, what flies to use, what lines to use, and how to retrieve the fly. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: Why can’t I get bass to eat my mouse flies? Why don’t the fish on my river eat salmon flies? How often can I fish a population of trout and will it hurt them? More discussions on fish and changes in barometric pressure. (This will be an ongoing discussion) Why do I keep losing fish when using a heavily weighted barbless fly? Can I use my 9-foot 5 weight rod for bass fishing? What is the strangest fly material you have ever used? When should I use Comparaduns? What kind of roadkill can I use for fly tying? Why did mahi in the Gulf Stream ignore my flies? How does water temperature affect fish and insects? Why do people not fish dry flies much any more?

In honor of Father's Day and since Tom is still out on the road, we've pulled a popular show from the archives on how to teach young people how to fly fish. Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Tom should be back next with your questions.

This week’s podcast is one of the biggest eye-openers I have ever done. Not only did I learn a lot, I have actually changed my views on a number of topics, including the effects of the moon on fishing and the effects of a change in barometric pressure. My guest, Russ Carpenter, is a neurologist at Stanford who studies the brains and senses of fish, specifically rainbow trout. He answers lots of question about a trout’s sense of smell, vision, and hearing. Including UV vision. I hope you learn as much as I did in this podcast. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions: Do you really fish with bamboo rods? Aren’t graphite and glass better? Why did I see large steelhead in a Great Lakes tributary in July? What is your opinion on stocking fish in wild trout streams? Is a 6-weight line from 30 years ago the same size as a modern 6-weight?Can I dye a fly line with RIT dye? What is the best saltwater weed guard? Are some spooky fish truly un-catchable? Is there anything I can do to try to catch them? Is there a difference between a Scottish brown trout and a German brown? I am landing trout up to 20 inches without letting them run. Am I doing something wrong? What do you think about weighted soft hackles? With modern runner soles like the Michelin sole on the Pro Boot, is there any need for studs?

This week we’re talking about a spectacle of nature that happens every year in the Rockies in June—the salmonfly hatch. This is a giant stonefly that excites big trout and fly fishers—but it’s difficult to plan for and not as easy to fish as you might imagine. John Way of The Tackle Shop in Ennis, the oldest fly shop in Montana, gives his tips on the life cycle of this giant stonefly, how to fish the hatch, and how to avoid some of the inevitable drift boat traffic the hatch attracts. If you are planning a trip to the Rockies soon this is one you won’t want to miss. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and comments: How do I catch the big trout I see on Instagram? I never see them myself when I am on the river. How long before stocked trout tune into feeding on natural foods? If I accidentally kill a fish in a catch and release section, should I try to keep it to eat or just let it die? Is there an advantage to tying my second nymph to the eye of the first fly? When should I do this? When is a drop-shot rig better than conventional weight on the leader? Should I get a 5-weight or 6-weight rod for fishing indicator rigs on a windy lake? What fly materials are fairly universal and can for used for a variety of patterns? Why did I see some big trout in a tributary to a larger trout stream? A special tutorial on how to open a pair of forceps (you won’t want to miss this one!) How do we get younger people involved in organizations like Trout Unlimited?