Covering fish from Trout to Tarpon, from tying flies to casting them - you'll find it all right here on Ask About Fly Fishing - the best fly fishing podcast for learning more about fly fishing.
Want to Catch More Fish? Just listen to any of our in-depth podcasts - we have over 438 shows in our Archive!
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.Topwater to Bottom: Cracking the Code on Smallmouth Bass
Jake Villwock
Smallmouth bass aren’t just aggressive they’re strategic. Jake Villwock breaks down how to consistently catch more fish by targeting all three feeding zones: topwater, mid-column, and bottom. He reveals how modern fly design—from foam bugs to articulated baitfish and lifelike crayfish has transformed the game. Whether you’re chasing explosive surface eats or dialing in subsurface tactics, you’ll learn how to fish smarter, adapt faster, and unlock the full potential of smallmouth on the fly.Ask Jake Villwock your most important questions on fly fishing for smallmouth bass...
Register for our free drawing.
More about Jake Villwock...
Miss a Show? - Browse our Show Archive!
Over 438 Shows for you to listen to!
- Klamath Reborn
The Klamath River was once a legendary steelhead and salmon fishery, and now, after the removal of four dams, has been reborn. Mikey Wier works for California Trout, which works to improve the habitats of several fish species throughout California. He was also a professional guide and fished the Klamath River before and after the removal of dams. Join us to learn how the river is doing and the best places and ways to fish it.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What was fishing like before the dam removals?
- What roles did the dams play in what fish were available to target?
- Were there other similar dam removal projects that served to inform how this project should proceed?
- Can you describe the most significant changes to the Klamath River's ecosystem since the removal of the dams?
- What role have local tribes played in the restoration and management of the Klamath River fishery?
- How has the removal of the dams affected water quality and temperature in the river?
- Have there been any notable changes in fish populations or species diversity in the Klamath River post-dam removal?
- How have sediment releases during the dam removal process impacted the river's habitat and fishery?
- Now that steelhead migration up the Klamath is possible, how many years are we looking at to see the Klamath to become once again a legendary fishery with world class steelhead?
- What are the optimal water conditions anglers should look for when planning a trip to the Klamath River now?
- How have hatches and insect populations changed in response to the river's restored flow?
- What are the expectations for the Klamath River fishery in the coming years as the ecosystem continues to recover?
- What advice would you give to anglers who are planning their first trip to the Klamath River since the dams were removed?
- Smallmouth Bass Strategies
Dave Karczynski is passionate about smallmouth. Smallmouth bass are in more streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs than any other game fish. Join us and learn about the cutting-edge techniques and fly patterns being used today to catch these exciting game fish.
- Terrestrials
Rick Takahashi considers terrestrials one of the world's most effective patterns. It's a broad category of food from land-dwelling insects to mice and they are in almost every stream and lake around the world. Listen in to learn about tying and fishing terrestrials that will work no matter where you fish.
- St. Brandon's Atoll
Jeff Currier’s pursuit of the yellow permit, 10 pound plus bonefish and the Picasso triggerfish puts him on the other side of the world on St. Brandon’s Atoll in the Indian Ocean. Who else would endure a 26-hour boat ride after 40 hours of flight travel to add a few more fish to his bucket list. Join us to learn about another “Monsoon” Currier adventure.
- Fisheries Conservation Now And In The Future
Dr. Peter Moyle was recognized by Fly Fisherman Magazine as the 2020 Conservationist of the Year for his lifetime of conservation work in California and in watersheds across the West. Peter's forward-thinking and get it done attitude has saved and restored fisheries across California including McCloud River, Putah Creek, the San Joaquin River and the Klamath River. Listen in to find out how Peter identifies and works through the issues associated with saving and restoring these fine fisheries.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How were you able to preserve the McCloud river for future generations?
- How did you bring Putah Creek back to life?
- What are the challenges now that Putah Creek has been restored?
- What has been done to encourage Stripers and Salmon to run up the San Joaquin River?
- What is the status of the Smelt in the Delta estuaries?
- What key action was taken to preserve the Klamath River?
- How can conservation groups attract younger members?
- What problems do you face when dams come down?
- Planning the Fly Fishing Trip of a Lifetime to Alaska
Bryan Whiting, a high school teacher in Colorado, had dreamed of fishing in Alaska with his boys. Actually going, however, just seemed beyond the possible. How do I make the time? Where do I specifically go? When do I go? What do I ask when deciding between lodges, camps or guides? How do I make sure I don't get ripped off? What equipment do I need? Bryan will share his experience in getting the answers to these questions and many more on this show.
- Tomorrow's Fly Fishers
Fanny Krieger has been involved with fly fishing instruction for over 25 years. Listen in to find out how she unravels the mystery of fly fishing for children of all ages into a simple, easy to understand and fun adventure.
- Modern Spey Fishing
Spey fishing has evolved from being traditionally used for salmon and steelhead to a wider scope of species including inland trout, smallmouth bass, and even saltwater game fish. Rick Kustich discusses presentation techniques for both two-handed and single-handed approaches to spey as well as lines and heads. Join us and learn about spey techniques and methods, and how spey fishing could fit into your fly fishing future.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Where and when did spey fishing start?
- How did you first decide to learn spey casting and how did you go about learning the various spey casts?
- Other than distance, please list the advantages of Spey casting vs one handed casts?
- Can these techniques be adopted to small waters and smaller fish. This seems to be a big water technique?
- For someone starting out with Spey Fishing and an experienced fly fisher, what would you recommend in terms of equipment?
- What are the basics of spey casting?
- What’s the difference between single-hand and two hand casting?
- How does trout spey differ from “conventional” spey?
- What are the differences between Spey fishing for trout and the traditional wet fly swing?
- Are there practical applications for spey casting when musky fishing?
- What technique would be best for casting in a pond that has no current?
- Can you use a spey rod to fish saltwater from a beach?
- In what circumstances if any, do you use a stripping basket? Are they useful in Spey fishing?
- What type of flies are commonly used for spey fishing?
- Fly Fishing Alberta's Famous Bow River
Learn from famed angler Jim McLennan, one of the first guides on the Bow and Editor At Large for Fly Fisherman magazine, what makes this river tick. He literally wrote the book - "Blue Ribbon Bow"- on the river which has served as a resource for many in successfully dealing with the complexities of this famed stream.
- Fly Fishing for Monster Browns on Streamers
Christy McReynolds knows how to hook up with monster brown trout on the fly. She’s a lifelong angler and has developed her skills on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers in East Tennessee, where she and her husband Jason run their guide service FlyingSoHo. Join us and learn her secrets to finding, hooking up, and landing these fish of a lifetime.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the best time of year for hunting monster browns on streamers?
- Are large brown trout more active at certain times of the day?
- Are browns tolerant of a wide range of water temperatures?
- What are the ideal conditions for brown trout to grow big?
- Are browns more selective than rainbows?
- Is fishing good before or after they spawn?
- What weight rod do you use for larger fish?
- Do you use floating or sinking lines?
- What is your leader and tippet setup?
- What types of streamers do you prefer?
- what color flies do you use for dirty and clear water?
- Where do find large fish holding most often?
- What retrieve methods do you use for streamers?
- What tips can you give on setting the hook and fighting large fish?
- 52 Rivers
Shelley Walchak decided to challenge herself and set a goal to fish 52 rivers in one year. She quit her job and fished seven states in the Rocky Mountains, which turned into one of those journey's she'll never forget. Join us to hear how she conceived, planned and completed this epic fly fishing adventure.
- Simple Flies
Morgan Lyle uses simple flies to catch trout in the mountains, stripers at the beach and any other fish he can reach with a cast. Sometimes the best fly is a simple one. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started with tying or an expert looking to get back to basics Morgan will explain all the techniques, tools and materials you need to tie simple flies in this podcast.
- Fly Fishing the Upper Columbia River
Steven calls the Upper Columbia River his home waters where rainbow trout are known to reach 25 pounds. He’s been guiding there for many years and has found that many of the trout love to eat soft-hackle & hairwing wetflies, swung and dangled. Join us to learn about this incredible fishery and Steven’s unique approaches to fishing it.
- Yellowstone Runners
Chester Allen has fished the migration run of the rainbow and brown trout from Montana’s Hebgen Lake into Yellowstone National Park’s Madison River during the fall for many years. Join us and learn about where to fish, what flies to use, and how to find the best water for very large trout!
- 500 Trout Streams
What happens when a man who’s fly fished for over fifty years, who’s graduated with a university degree in English, who’s published 19 print-and-paper books on fly-fishing topics with three publishers, decides to spend three years writing his first book of essays about his beloved sport? Can you imagine? Join us to learn how Skip came to write his latest book 500 Trout Streams and hear a few of his favorite stories.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What was the first writing you got published?
- Do you make notes about your fishing trips to use later in your writing?
- Do you have a writing routine, if so what is it?
- What prompted the writing of 500 Trout Streams?
- What kind of research do you do and how long do you spend researching?
- Is there still a market for long-form print pieces?
- Did you really fish 500 trout streams?
- What is your favorite book on fly fishing by another writer?
- What authors do you look to for their writing skills and style?
- Will you be writing more essays in the future?
Learn more about fly fishing and listen to our podcasts by these top experts...



