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Fly Fishing the Farmington River: Trout, Hatches & Tactics
Steve Culton
Fly Fisher, Guide, Fly Tier, Author, Instructor
Connecticut’s Farmington River offers outstanding year-round trout fishing—but consistently catching its trout requires understanding the river, its hatches, and how fish respond to changing conditions. Steve Culton joins us to share his hard-earned knowledge of this celebrated fishery. We’ll explore where and when to fish, seasonal strategies, important hatches, productive flies, and techniques ranging from dry flies and nymphs to wet flies and streamers. Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, Steve will help you fish the Farmington more effectively.Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did the Farmington evolve from what it was 75 years ago into the blue-ribbon trout fishery we know today?
- How did the construction of the Hogback and Colebrook dams change the Farmington, and why was the creation of this tailwater so important to its trout fishery?
- How did the Wild and Scenic designation come about, and what does that protection mean for the river and for anglers today?
- What makes the Farmington different from other major trout rivers in New England?
- Can you give us a tour of the river from the dam downstream and explain how the character of the river changes along the way?
- Is the Farmington wade friendly?
- What are different management areas and sections, and what does a visiting angler need to understand about each one?
- If I only had two or three days to fish the Farmington, which portions of the river would you suggest I concentrate on to experience what makes this fishery special?
- The Farmington contains pools, riffles, runs, pocket water, braids and side channels. Which types of water tend to be overlooked, and where might anglers be walking past good trout?
- How does the Still River influence the Farmington's temperature, flows, hatches and fishing as you move downstream?
- The Farmington receives considerable fishing pressure. How should an angler adjust where, when and how they fish when the popular areas are crowded?
- If you had to identify the most important hatches that a first-time Farmington angler should know, which ones would make your list?
- If you were putting together a basic Farmington fly box for someone visiting the river, what flies and sizes would you consider essential?
- When you're fishing dry flies to selective fish, what presentation mistakes do you see anglers make most often?
- When are wet flies particularly effective on the Farmington, and how do you fish a team of wets during a hatch?
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From Angler to Outfitter: Building a Life as a Fly Fishing Guide
Coleman Savage
Fly Fisher, Fly Tier, Guide
What does it really take to turn a passion for fly fishing into a profession? Montana guide and outfitter Coleman Savage shares his journey from fly-shop jobs to guiding—and how Guiding for the Future helped accelerate his growth. Discover why becoming a great guide requires far more than catching fish, and how knowledge of river ecology, conservation, water rights, stewardship, client relationships, and professionalism can transform a guide’s career and their connection to the waters they depend on. Join us to learn about his journey.Ask Coleman Savage your most important questions on becoming a guide and outfitter...
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- Mexico to Patagonia: An Angler's Journey Through a New World
Steve Ramirez explores the rivers, jungles, mountains, and windswept landscapes of Central and South America featured in A Season in Patagonia. From tarpon in Mexico and peacock bass in the Amazon to the legendary trout waters of Patagonia, Steve shares unforgettable encounters with remarkable people, diverse cultures, extraordinary wildlife, and world-class fisheries. Discover how travel, fly fishing, and a deep connection to nature can transform not only the way you fish—but also the way you see the world.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Can you describe your book A Season in Patagonia?
- Can you give a more in-depth explanation of the book’s title and how it relates to the envisioned global trilogy of outdoor, nature, and fly-fishing literature?
- Was there a particular moment during your travels when you realized this book was becoming something much bigger than another fishing adventure?
- Of all the countries you visited, which surprised you the most, and why?
- The book opens in the Yucatán pursuing juvenile tarpon. Why did you choose Mexico as the beginning of this book, and what did that first destination set in motion for the rest of your travels?
- Your days in Campeche weren't just about tarpon—they were about immersing yourself in the culture. What was one encounter with the local people that changed the way you viewed Mexico?
- The Brazilian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Was there a moment when you realized you were in an ecosystem unlike anywhere else you've ever fished?
- You caught peacock bass, searched for wolf fish, encountered electric eels, stingrays, and piranhas. Which Amazon species fascinated you the most—not necessarily as a game fish, but as a remarkable creature?
- The Amazon can feel both magical and intimidating. What moments reminded you that you were a visitor in one of the wildest places left on Earth?
- Patagonia has almost mythical status among fly anglers. What aspects of Patagonia actually exceeded the legends?
- Patagonia is famous for its wind. How does an angler learn to fish with the wind instead of fighting it?
- You spent time with people from very different cultures. What common qualities did great fishing guides seem to share regardless of where they lived?
- When listeners finish reading A Season in Patagonia, what do you hope inspires them first—to book a trip, to pick up a fly rod, or simply to spend more time paying attention to the natural world?
- Specialty Casts - Getting Your Fly to the Fish
Mac Brown, a Master Casting Instructor certified through the Federation of Fly Fishers, provides expert advice on how to use specialty casts to get your fly to those hard to reach fish.
- Tactical Nymphing - Euro Style
Devin Olsen, a medal winning member of Fly Fishing Team USA, shares the modern day nymphing techniques he and Lance Eagan use to catch fish in the European style. When competing on an international basis you have to be good and have to know how to adapt. Join us to find out how it's done.
- Freshwater Stripers on the Fly
Bill Butts has made temperate basses his specialty and freshwater stripers are one of his favorite targets. Learn Bill's secrets about finding, hooking up with and landing one of these freshwater trophies.
- Pike On The Fly
Barry Reynolds knowledge of pike and musky is amazing. Listen in to this podcast as Barry covers your questions on fly fishing for pike and musky covering habitat, gear, flies and tactics - get ready for some explosive answers.
- Entomology for Stillwaters
Rick Passek will tell you that knowing about the natural insects that the fish eat is the number one most important thing to learn to become a good fly fisher. Listen in to find out everything you wanted to know about the bugs that live in stillwaters.
- Fly Fishing Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway
Sam Johnson, an expert angler, shares his secrets of fly fishing along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Discover the best fishing spots across the Blue Ridge Parkway's 217 miles in Virginia and learn about the unique strategies and techniques that make this region a fly fisher's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Sam's wealth of knowledge and captivating stories will inspire and guide you on your next fishing adventure. Don't miss out on this informative and exciting discussion!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your books on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
- How did the Parkway come to be?
- Was fishing considered in its design?
- How long is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
- When was constructions started?
- How long did it take to complete?
- Is there camping in the park?
- What time of year would be the best time to visit?
- What different types of water are available to fish?
- What species of fish can you fish for?
- What are some of the major hatches?
- What are your favorite flies for the Parkway waters?
- What is your strategy for fishing the different types of water?
- What are the some of your favorite streams and rivers to fish?
- How does the fishing in Virginia differ from the fishing in North Carolina?
- Tactical Nymphing - Euro Style - Part II
Devin Olsen, a medal winning member of Fly Fishing Team USA, shares the modern day nymphing techniques he and Lance Eagan use to catch fish in the European style. When competing on an international basis you have to be good and have to know how to adapt. We had so many questions on Devin's first show that we going at it again. Join us to continue this great topic.
- Fly Tying Techniques You Can't Do Without
Charlie Craven is one of the best fly tiers and fly tying instructors you'll run into. No matter how much you know or how long you've tied you'll be sure to learn a few more tips and techniques during this show.
- Mexico’s Grand Slam Expressway
Phil Shook has traveled and fished extensively throughout Mexico. Phil considers the three giant estuaries off Highway 307 in Quintana Roo some of the best flats fishing in Mexico. Ascension, Espirtu and Chetumal will definiely have you on the hunt for your grand slam.
- Daniel Ritz Attempts Western Native Trout Challenge
Daniel Ritz is fly fishing across the Western United States in an attempt to accomplish the Master Caster class of the Western Native Trout Challenge. His goal is to land each of the 20 native trout species in their historical ranges of the 12 states in the West. Join us to find out how Daniel is doing with the challenge, learn about what it takes to participate and hear about a few experiences he's had along the way. Maybe you'll get inspired and want to try it yourself!
- Effective Stillwater Fly Fishing
Michael Gorman, a professional guide of more than 30 years helps us make the most of every stillwater fishing outing - even those ego-bruising days when the fish seem to reject everything. Join us to learn Michaels strategies, techniques and secrets.
- Tailwaters
Aaron Jasper is known for finding and hooking up with big fish and what better place to do this than tailwaters. Most of the world's tailwaters can be fished any time of the year so listen in as Aaron shares his tips and tactics for fishing these super productive waters.
- Effective Nymphing Techniques for Streams and Rivers
Eric Pettine starting fly fishing long before strike indicators entered the scene and developed his nymphing techniques based upon close attention to the habits of trout. Eric shares his secrets and details his shallow, medium depth and deep water techniques including leader, tippet, weight and fly selection.
- Fly Fishing Trout Lakes Part II: A Biologist's Point Of View
Brian Chan is back for Part II of Fly Fishing Trout Lakes. We had so many questions for his intial show that we had to schedule a special extended edition to get through the questions. If you thought the first show was great wait until you see what we have in store for you in this one.
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