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Nymphing Strategies for Trinity River Steelhead: Flow, Depth, and Control
Alex Ross
Fly Fisher, Guide
Steelhead on the Trinity River aren’t accidental fish—and neither are the anglers who consistently find them. In this episode, professional guide Alex Ross breaks down the nuts and bolts of deep nymphing for Trinity River steelhead from a drift boat. We dive into reading flow-driven water, boat positioning, rigging for depth and control, fly selection by conditions, and the subtle adjustments that turn “good water” into hooked fish. If you want a practical, guide-tested approach to putting winter steelhead in the net on one of California’s most iconic rivers, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- For anglers who haven’t fished it, how would you describe the Trinity River compared to other West Coast steelhead rivers?
- How do dam releases and changing flows affect where steelhead hold?
- How do fish position differently in low flows versus high flows?
- What types of water on the Trinity consistently produce with deep nymphing?
- Are the techniques you use river specific, or do they work other places?
- How do you determine your starting depth?
- Do you prefer fixed indicators or adjustable systems from a drift boat—and why?
- What’s your philosophy on split shot vs. weighted flies?
- What are your go-to fly patterns for Trinity steelhead nymphing?
- What rod, reel, line, leader and tippet setup do you recommend?
- How can you tell if your weight is riding properly?
- How critical is boat control in deep nymphing success?
- What visual clues tell you a run will hold steelhead?
- what is the etiquette on back rowing and re-drifting a run?
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The DIY Fly Fishing Road Trip: From Tents to Airstreams
Robert Streeter
Fly Fisher, Fly Tyer, Author
What does it take to turn a simple camping trip into an unforgettable fly fishing adventure? Robert Streeter shares lessons from years on the road—from tent camping in remote waters to traveling in an Airstream in search of the next great fishery. Learn how to discover prime destinations, plan your trips, and create DIY fly fishing experiences that fit your lifestyle. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an Alaska expedition, this conversation will inspire you to hit the road and find your own adventure.Ask Robert Streeter your most important questions on a DIY fly fishing road trip...
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Over 437 Shows for you to listen to!
- Fly Fishing for White Bass
Bill Butts loves white bass - they're hard hitting and put on a tough fight. Find out from Bill what it takes to catch these great freshwater sport fish on a fly.
- Dorado On A Fly
Tad Burke a professional guide in the Florida Keys introduces us to dorado on the fly. Listen in and learn his secrets about hooking up with these beautiful but elusive fish.
- The Hunt For Giant Trout
Landon Mayer has fished and researched many of the best places to catch giant trout. Fishing locations from Alaska to Maine Landon has created the ultimate bucket list of places to fish. Join us and discover what makes these fisheries so special and learn the secrets to catching monster trout.
- Fly Fishing For Bonefish In The Bahamas
Brian O'Keefe has traveled to some of the wildest and most remote angling destinations in the world, including Bikini Atoll, Seychelles, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Tonga, Cuba and Kashmir. He has also traveled to more accessible locations, such as the Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Chile, New Zealand, Christmas Island and more. He's fished for Bonefish just about everywhere so join us on this podcast and learn how to fish for these incredibly fast flats fish.
- Fly Tying and Fishing with John Barr
John Barr designed the Copper John, the Barr Emerger and many other successful fly patterns. Learn from John how to tie and fish these incredibly successful patterns. If you don't use them now you will by the end of the show.
- Cripples and Spinners
Kelly Galloup helps us to understand how cripples and spinners play an important role in the trout’s diet and how to fish them effectively. Learn Kelly's secrets on this show.
- Fly Fishing Evolution
George Daniel has been experimenting, innovating, and developing strategies and techniques since he started fly fishing. One thing he’s discovered is that fly fishing doesn’t stand still; it evolves. Join us to learn about the cutting-edge strategies for nymphing, dry fly, and streamer fishing that are used on the water today. Equipment, fly patterns, rigs, and casting are all fair game.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your latest book Fly Fishing Evolution?
- What rod do you use for most of your fishing?
- Does the weight of the rod determine the size of fish I can catch?
- What do you see as the next step in rod development?
- In what circumstances would you select a Tenkara rod over traditional tackle?
- Do you carry more than one rod when fishing?
- How do you rig for two flies, and when do you use this?
- Do you see advantages to using a non-slip loop knot to attach your flies?
- Do use the drop-shot nymphing technique? If so when?
- How do you avoid having your mono rigs twist and tangle?
- What do you use for your sighter?
- When is it time to switch from a euro nymphing rig to a suspension rig?
- What are your thoughts on confidence flies?
- What are the flies you use most often for nymphing?
- Colorado's Roaring Fork River
Tim Heng has fished the Roaring Fork River in Colorado for 30 years. Learn all about fly fishing the Roaring Fork and the secrets of hooking up with the lunkers that call it home..
- Pere Marquette River - Browns, Steelhead & Salmon
Josh Mead, an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide, has fished the famous rivers of Michigan since he was five years old. Learn about fly fishing the Pere Marquette River where huge Browns, Steelhead and Salmon make their home.
- Fly Fishing the Upper Delaware River
Paul Weamer has spent over decade fishing the Upper Delaware River watershed where the trout are large, wild, and highly selective. Be sure to listen in to find out about this great fishery and the special techniques used to hook up with the trophies.
- Sheepshead On The Fly In Southwest Florida
Captain Codty Pierce, a professional fly fishing guide, grew up on the southwest coast of Florida and knows the waters there better than most. His target in the winter when the waters cool are sheepshead also known as convict fish because of their vivid stripes. Sheepshead have developed a reputation that rivals permit, they are hard to catch on a fly but are super exciting because you are sight fishing to tailing fish on shallow oyster beds and can see the take. Join us to learn Codty's techniques for hooking up with these challenging fish.
Questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the average size of a sheepshead?
- Where do you find sheepshead?
- What type of water do they inhabit?
- What's the best time of year to catch the larger sheepshead?
- What do they eat?
- What fly patterns work best?
- How should you present your flies to get good takes?
- Fly Fishing Is More Than Euro Nymphing
Euro nymphing may dominate the rivers, but it’s only part of the story. Join Aaron Jasper as he reveals why being a versatile angler makes fly fishing more rewarding—and more productive. From lessons learned over 44 years on the water, to the balance between numbers and trophy fish, to his top five insights from 2025, Aaron shares wisdom that will help you catch more fish and deepen your love of the sport.
- Drifting the Green: Expert Tips for Fly Fishing Utah’s Legendary River
The Green River in Utah is called by some the most beautiful trout river in the United States. Its steep canyon walls and crystal-clear water make for an incredible fly fishing experience. Matt Lucas, owner and professional guide of Western Rivers Flyfisher Guides, will take us down the Green and give us his expert tips on fishing this legendary river.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the history of the Flaming Gorge Dam?
- Is the Green River an all-season fishery?
- What weight rods do you recommend?
- How accessible is the river for DIY anglers without a boat?
- Where does Section A start and end?
- What are the fish counts for the A and B sections?
- What hatches are prevalent on the river?
- How is Section B different from Section A?
- When do the mormon crickets and cicadas migrate?
- What makes the Green River an excellent dry fly fishery?
- Does Section C have larger trout?
- What changes do you make when the fish are hesitant to bit?
- How would you arrange a multi-day float trip?
- How do the dam releases change the fishing?
- Is the river managed properly now and what does the future look like?
- What are the guides and outfitters doing to preserve this fishery?
- Casting Homeward
Join us for an engaging episode with Steve Ramirez, author of Casting Homeward. Dive into America's legendary landscapes—from New England's songbird-filled woods to Yellowstone's wild valleys and Bristol Bay's bear-populated rivers. Steve explores the magic of iconic places that restore our souls and inspire awe. Tune in for a philosophical journey through the wild heart of America and discover stories that connect us to nature's timeless beauty.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- You just published Casting Homeward the fourth book in your casting series. Can you describe the Casting Series?
- What inspired you go on this multi-year fly fishing quest of discovery?
- What do you hope readers will get out of your books?
- What authors and works have influenced your writing?
- When and where did you start flyfishing?
- What is your favorite place to flyfish and what would be the target species?
- What is Casting Homeward about?
- What was your experience fishing in Alaska?
- What species of fish impressed you the most and why?
- Did fishing in Alaska change how you think and feel about the natural world?
- What did you discover in Montana and what were your experiences?
- You spent some time in The Catskills, considered the birthplace of American Fly Fishing. What were your thoughts while fishing there?
- You started your book with Texas and ended with Texas. What makes Texas special to you?
- The Lure of Success: How Passion Turned into Profit for a Fly Shop Owner
Brian Flechsig owns Mad River Outfitters, Midwest Fly Fishing Schools, and Ohio Fly Fishing Guides. He started his fly shop in 1994 with a passion for fly fishing and the will to succeed, but not much more. Today, Mad River Outfitters ranks as one of the top three largest fly shops in the United States. Join us and learn how Brian started his business on a shoestring and how he has grown it through consistent marketing and proper business management.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to start a business in the fly fishing industry?
- How has your business evolved from its initial concept to the multi-faceted enterprise it is today?
- How has your passion for fly fishing influenced the way you run your business?
- How do you engage with the local community through your brick-and-mortar shop?
- In creating your product lines, do you select low, medium, and high-cost products to appeal to the broadest spectrum of customers or focus on one price point?
- What is the top-selling or highest-grossing product at the fly shop?
- What are the top 2-3 selling fly patterns in the shop?
- What platform do you use for your e-commerce store?
- Do you use manufacturer’s supplied photos for your products, or do you take your own?
- What types of marketing do you do?
- What marketing has worked the best for you?
- Do you do all your marketing in-house or do you outsource some of it?
- Which advertising channels have you found most effective for your businesses, and why?
- How much luck is responsible for your success?
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