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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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What Every Tropical Flats Fly Fisher Needs To KnowMike has fished the saltwater flats of Belize, Christmas Island, Cuba, the Yucatan, and the Florida Keys. The techniques and methods he’s learned along the way are invaluable. Join us as Mike shares what he’s learned about fly fishing the flats, including tackle, knots, casting, presentation, tactics, and much more.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- If I was making my first saltwater flats trip, what are the things I need to do to prepare for the experience to get the most from the trip?
- Do you prefer 7 wt or 8wt for most species, locations?
- What features should I look for in a reel?
- Do you use primarily floating lines or is it wise to have other types with you?
- What knots do you need to know for saltwater?
- How do you prepare for your casts on a boat?
- Are there clues or simple rules as to which flats hold fish at which tides?
- What would you recommend a DIY traveler do to find productive flats before traveling to an area?
- I have trouble seeing the movement of the fish. so my first cast is not as accurate as I would like it to be. I fish from a boat, am I not getting the right information from the guide. Is it a communication issue?
- What flies do you like using for bonefish?
- What techniques are most productive for permit?
- What tips do you have for catching tarpon?
- What are your favorite flies for snook?
- Is it best to wade into the tidal current or with it (follow the tide shallower?)?
Salt Water's Greatest GamefishTom Boyd has fished the salt for more than 50 years and has done exhaustive research on saltwater fish behavior, spawning, migration patterns and baitfish. Listen in to hear Tom talk about some of the greatest gamefish and how to catch them on a fly.
Crappie Fly FishingTerry Wilson and his wife Roaxanne have explored the life of the crappie and found many good things about a fish that hasn't got much respect in the past. Crappie are voracious feeders and strong fighters and you can fish for them year round. Listen in to hear about crappie behavior, habits, how to catch them and what flies to use.
Fly Fishing the Inland OceansJerry Darkes takes us on a tour of the Great Lakes including both warmwater and cold water fisheries. Learn about the best places to go for steelhead, northern pike, lake trout, smallmouth bass, trout and salmon.
Madison River: Upper, Lower and in the ParkKelly Galloup lives and runs his shop and lodge just minutes from the Madison River. He's guided on the river for over 17 years and knows the river intimately. Whether you want to fish the upper, the lower or the section in Yellowstone Park he'll be able to guide you to success. Listen to this podcast and discover what it takes to be successful on this famous river.
Passionate About PanfishBart Lombardo, a professional guide in New Jersey, is passionate about panfish. Catch the excitement and join us to learn the best tactics to hook these lively fish. From selecting the right flies to mastering the presentation, Bart shares his top secrets from years of experience.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What sparked your passion for fly fishing, particularly for panfish?
- What species fall under the heading of panfish?
- How do seasonal changes affect panfish feeding habits and locations?
- What types of water bodies and structures do panfish prefer during different times of the year?
- How can anglers identify prime panfish habitats when exploring new waters?
- What is the optimal temperature when panfish "come alive" in the spring?
- What weight fly rod do you prefer when fishing for panfish?
- Which fly lines do you use floating, intermediate, or sinking??
- What is your go-to fly for panfish?
- Which do you prefer, lakes, ponds or rivers? Urban water or rural?
- How does your retrieval method change based on the panfish species you're targeting?
- How do your strategies change for spring, summer, and late-season in the fall?
- What should I do to increase my chances of catching large sunfish - 10 or more inches?
Trout Spey and the Art of the SwingSteven Bird started trout spey fishing long before the current trend started. Many fly fishers equate spey fishing with steelhead or salmon on large rivers but it can be applied on small rivers or streams for trout just as effectively. Join us to learn about the gear, flies and techniques used for trout spey fishing that you can use on your next outing.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your book Trout Spey & The Art Of the Swing?
- What got you started spey fishing?
- What is trout spey?
- What advantages does two-handed spey fishing for trout offer?
- What is the ideal rod for trout spey?
- What is the difference between a trout spey rod and a switch rod?
- What type of lines are used with trout specy?
- How do you select a tip?
- How do you set up your leaders?
- What are the different parts of a wetfly presentation?
- What is the Leisenring Lift?
- What determines what size, color and proportions of your flies?
- Do you fish multi fly rigs?
- What are you favorite wet fly patterns?
Montana Without the CrowdsAaron Jaspers, loves to fish but doesn't love the crowds. He's been exploring some fisheries that are off the beaten track in Montana where you can catch nice sized fish easily and avoid the crowds. Join us to learn more about some great places to fish.
Designing and Building a Great Fly RodJeff Blood a lifelong fly fisher talks about what it takes to design and build a commercial fly rod. He'll dispell the myths and sweep away the smoke and mirrors of advertising to get down to what really makes a fly rod great.
Magdalena Bay: Baja's Hidden SecretMike Rieser, a well know guide in Mexico, takes us on a tour of Magdelena Bay in Baja and its hundreds of miles of mangrove channels, pristine beaches and fabled Thetis Banks. Snook, corvina, spotted bass, cabrilla, golden trevally, grouper, pargo, bonefish, roosterfish, yellow tail, skip jack, dorado, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, billfish and more all await your cast. Join use to find out about the best way to take part in this exciting and remote fishery.
Housantonic River - Trout and SmalliesTorrey Collins has guided and fished the Housatonic River for over 20 years. It's one of a few places where you can enjoy fishing an Eastern river for both trout and smallmouth bass. There's no doubt that there are trophies are in the river and Torrey will share with us his secrets of catching them on a fly.
A Fishable Feast: Fly Fishing and Eating Your Way Around the WorldWhat happens when world-class fly fishing meets unforgettable cuisine? Listen in while globetrotting fly fishing guide and chef Matthew Supinski explores the intersection of rivers, culture, and the table. We’ll journey from legendary trout streams to coastal waters around the globe—discovering how food, place, and angling traditions intertwine. If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing fish by day and savoring local flavors by night, this conversation will awaken your appetite for adventure.
Fly Fishing for Mahseer in IndiaJeff Currier explores India's rivers for the exotic Mahseer. It's a huge fish that is seldom caught on the fly but Jeff was determined to do so and did. Learn from Jeff the process he uses to figure what makes a fish tick.
Nymph, Brush and Night Fishing for TroutJoe Humphreys has taught fly fishing for over forty years and still loves to share his insights. Nymphing is one of his favorite approaches; he shares a lifetime's worth of experience on this as well as fishing brush and night fishing on this show.
Hatch StrategiesTom Rosenbauer has been with Orvis for over 30 years and has shared his knowledge across many topics. One of the most studied yet intimidating aspects of fly fishing for trout is an understanding of insect hatches. Tom will enlighten us on entomology and also how to approach trout, how to find where they feed, and how to present the fly so it is accepted as natural food without hesitation. Join us and learn some new techniques to catch more fish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What do you need to know to be successful when fishing a hatch?
- What is the best way to seine the water?
- What if you don't get any insects in your seine?
- What’s the best way to find fish feeding on a hatch?
- How do you identify the insect that is hatching?
- How to you fish the different stages of a hatch?
- What do you do if you have multiple hatches at the same time?
- How important is it to match the hatch with your patterns?
- Do you prefer to fish a single fly or use a dry dropper setup?
- Do you find that smaller fish are the ones rising first at the beginning of a hatch?
- How do you target the bigger fish in hatches?
- How does the change in climate vary the color of hatching flies?
- What has been the most challenging hatch to match & have reasonable consistent success?
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