The Magic of Pheasant Tail, with Craig Mathews

Before you write this one off if you don't tie flies, although this is a podcast on a fly tying material, there is much more in this one. Like how to fish small flies and how to see those tiny flies on the water. But we do talk about one of the most amazing materials in fly tying—pheasant tail fibers. And it's not only for nymphs. Learn about why pheasant tail is such a magical material, how to tie a durable pheasant tail body, and how to use it on dry and wet flies as well as nymphs. Craig Matthews [42:22] is a legendary fly tier, guide, and conservationist and it is always valuable to catch his words of wisdom.

In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and more: Do I have to sight-fish in saltwater, or can I just fish my flies around likely structures? Are "hot spots" as effective on dry flies as they are on nymphs? Have you used those new clear-tip lines from Scientific Anglers for trout, and what do you think of them? Why did I not catch trout on my first day on a river, yet clean up on fish two days later? A tip from a listener on how to not lose your wading belt. Can I fish streamers for smallmouth bass upstream like I do for trout? All the videos tell me to cast at a 45-degree downstream angle. For fishing for striped bass from shore, is a 9-foot or a 10-foot rod better? What type of leader do you recommend for swinging wet flies and soft hackles? Have you ever tried to make your own amadou? What fly box should I use for my tiny nymphs? What is the best way to remove materials from a fly to re-use the hook and bead? Is there any etiquette about wading an alpine lake?