The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast

Finding those tiny, unpressured trout streams is a delightful form of exploration. You won’t find them on the internet or in books or magazine articles—at least the ones you really want to fish. But finding a small stream that you’ll probably have all to yourself and discovering the delights of catching eager trout on dries and nymphs—and sometimes small streamers—is one of the purest ways of enjoying fly fishing. Donna Smith [48:38], a member of the Orvis Outfitter team and an expert on small stream trout fishing tells us how to go about it. In the Fly Box this week, we have some perplexing and interesting questions, as well as some tips from listeners, including: Do textured lines spook fish when making noise going through the guides? What happened to the Orvis Superfine Fiberglass rods? I have a very fast action 10 weight rod and it’s difficult to feel it load with a 10-weight line. Do you think I can put an 11-weight line on it? Any thoughts on de-barbing bonefish and permit flies? How about stocking minnows and crayfish in streams. Do you think it’s a bad idea? If I am fishing a bunch of rising fish and a bunch of anglers are standing on the bank waiting for me to leave, what should I do? Why can I catch lots of fish when I go out into the wilderness but not when I am fishing the stocked river that’s right in town? If trout are so sensitive to drag on a dry fly or nymph, why do they take a swinging soft hackle? Great suggestions from a listener on how to avoid over-pressuring fish by modifying our behavior. What does Tom think are the most difficult techniques in fly tying? Why are there no sea-run rainbows in Connecticut? Is the casting technique you use to cast poly leaders the same as you would use for an over-lined rod?

This week, my guest is the executive director of the Native Fish Coalition, Bob Mallard [42:09], who tells us why the organization was formed and what they do. His group took issue with some of the sentiments expressed in last week's podcast with Kirk Deeter, so to give everyone a broader view of the issue of wild native fish (as opposed to just wild fish, and Bob explains the difference in the podcast) I invited Bob to come onto the podcast to explain to us just how precious native or indigenous species are. There is much food for thought here and I hope it makes everyone think about the issues involved. In the Fly Box this week, we have the usual roundup of interesting and sometimes tricky questions, and some great tips from listeners, including: How even native black bass in the South are threatened by stocking of non-native varieties Why doesn't the Orvis Learning Center talk about the spiritual value and nature of fly fishing? What is the best all-around color for polarized sunglasses? What's up with bead heads? Insects don't have metal heads. A great tip from a listener on how to apply eyes to minnow patterns without getting your fingers stuck together with Super Glue. How can I straighten a bunch of old saddle hackles that have a kink in them? How do you deal with negative attitudes you hear spouted on the water? A tip from a listener on how to magnetize or demagnetize a pair of forceps or a dubbing needle. What fly-tying material does Tom feel is underutilized? A comment from a listener on how something said on a podcast had a big influence on him regarding the "hero shot". Why am I only catching whitefish, and do people like catching them? Why haven't we tried restocking aquatic insects in rivers where they have become scarce? What is Tom's favorite non-fish wildlife encounter on the river?

Have we gone too far with native species? with Kirk Deeter This week, my guest is Kirk Deeter, editor of Trout Magazine. Kirk is never one to shy away from controversy, and our topic this week is the concept of native species and the feasibility of trying to turn back the clock. We also ramble a bit about the state of the fly-fishing world in general, but as always Kirk is thoughtful and incisive in his views. In the Fly Box this week we have some especially great tips from listeners and some interesting questions: Some great tips from a listener on how to hook gar on the fly without resorting to yarn A comment from a listener on the probability of tiger trout being produced naturally in wild trout populations. Do I need a click-and-pawl reel on my bamboo rod, and do I need to get a special fly line? Do you have some tips for catching bonefish in the Florida Keys by wading from shore? How should I clean my waders if I fish multiple watersheds in a single day? Because mayfly nymphs wiggle their tails in the water, why don't we tie more nymphs with flexible tails? What are the essential fly materials to take if you're going to tie on a fishing trip? How can I catch smallmouth bass on a fly in deep lakes? A great tip from a listener on how to pick up beads and hooks around your tying bench--and also to recapture flies that fall out of your box on the river. A great tip from a listener on how to practice casting heavily weighted flies. I found a fly line that had been soaking in salt water. Do you think it's still good to use? How do I de-magnetize a pair of forceps? How can I target trout in small creeks during the winter?

This week, my guest is Orvis casting guru Pete Kutzer, and we talk about casts for difficult trout. Often you don't need great casting skills or special casts to catch trout, but there are times when a little razzle-dazzle will make the difference. Pete talks about those situations and what to do--and he also introduces a new way of making a Bow-and -Arrow cast that was new to me. I think anyone can benefit from Pete's advice. In the Fly Box this week, we have these great questions and tips from listeners: What do you think about tying on eyeless hooks and making eyes out of silk bead cord? What do you mean by the term "swinging flies"? Can I target grass carp on a fly? Can you ice fish with flies? How do I fish a lake for trout from my kayak? What do you think of the electric socks that are controlled by an app? A great tip from a listener on avoiding spooking trout in small streams. Can a figure-8 knot be used in fly fishing? What do you recommend for a rod for fishing larger eastern rivers? How can I correct a casting issue where my fly gets caught on my line-to-leader connection? Do I need to buy a specific saltwater outfit for Belize or will my current steelhead rod work? Do you recommend weed guards for fishing in Belize? How much do brown trout move in the fall? Do you think it's possible that a stocked tiger trout could have moved 30 miles from where it was stocked? Can I overline my 3-weight rod by two line sizes for really short casts? My wife has problems with glare on the water. Do you think there is something wrong with her eyes? Which precautions should I take releasing trout in subzero weather?

I frequently get questions about CDC or Cul de Canard, a special feather found on ducks that makes very effective dry flies, emergers, and nymphs. What is it? Where does it come from? Why is it so special? What kinds of CDC are there, and how do you use it? And when fishing these flies, how do you treat them. My friend (and friendly nemisis from our monthly fly-tyig tie-offs) Tim Flagler [46:41] and I tell everything we know about CDC and its uses. I hope this answers many of your questions. In the Fly Box this week, we have great tips from listeners and questions, including: A tip for fly fishers who suffer from arthritis Would it be better for me to take lessons on the water or hire a guide? What are the best saltwater knots? How do I avoid hitting myself and other people in the boat when fishing a heavy streamer? Tips from a listener on repairing old bamboo rods, and advice for finding them at tag sales and reconditioning them How do I pick up small hooks and beads that I drop off my tying table? Can I overline my 3-weight fiberglass rod by two line sizes for fishing small streams? Advice from a listener on cleaning and maintaining cork grips What do you wear under electric socks? Can I take some old flies and add a parachute to them? What do you recommend I tie with all these game bird feathers I have been saving from my hunting trips? When do you use wire, and when do you use beads on nymphs? Do stocked fish push wild fish out of their normal places? How do I keep my Elk Hair Caddis wing from rotating after I fish them for awhile?

Todays guest might make you mad. If you’re a trout angler he will certainly make you feel uncomfortable. Doug Thompson [37:29] is the author of The Quest for the Golden Trout, and the book is not what you think it might be from the title. He is a professor in geoscience and environmental studies and does research in geomorphology and hydrology. In examining critically what we do to ensure trout fishing, Douglas Thompson gores some sacred cows, including our obsession with stocking trout, non-native species we introduce, the way we manipulate the physical structure of rivers to benefit trout, and even the fishing tackle industry itself. You might think this book would make me angry, but it’s carefully researched and argued and has made me look differently at the structure of our entire trout-fishing industry. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips, including: How do I repair an exposed thread and a bent ferrule on my bamboo fly rod? How do I know when it's time to replace my sinking line? How can I distinguish between weighted and unweighted flies? Do people fish for walleye and American shad with a fly rod? If so how do they do it? Why do I foul hook fish when fishing with two nymphs? Which floating line is best with my 10-foot 3-weight Clearwater? Do you have some tips for casting with a sinking line? A tip on feeling better about getting skunked A story about why we should always debarb our hooks What does Tom do when he is in a slump?

This week, my guest is Tim Landwehr [43:50], of Tight Lines Fly Fishing Company in De Pere, Wisconsin. Tim has decades of experience guiding for smallmouth bass and is co-author of a book on fly fishing for smallmouths. He shares some innovative and modern techniques for catching difficult smallmouths under all conditions, some you have probably never heard of or thought about. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, including: When I am Euro nymphing, why do trout always take my fly on the swing, after it has finished its dead drift? I have trouble seeing my beetle imitations on the water. What can I do? Why did trout, after refusing countless dead drifts during a spinner fall, take my fly as I stripped it back to me? If you had to fish nymphs that only imitated one order of insects, which one would it be? If I simplify my nymph collection to more generic imitations, will I do as well as if I worry about imitating specific insects? What is the difference between a Comparadun and a Sparkle Dun and which one is better? If I have the same guide two days in a row, should I tip him or her both days? How many indicators should I carry for a day of fishing? Do you prefer the Helios 3 D or F model in a 9-foot, 5-weight rod? A fly shop owner told me not to submerge my reel. Was he right? What is the best way to store dry flies? A listener gives another good reason to always tie or buy three flies of the same pattern How can I eliminate wind knots in my dry dropper rig? What is the best way to fish in the surf?

This week, my guest is Todd Tanner [39:47], a journalist who writes for many of the fly-fishing websites and magazines and is Fly Fishing editor of Sporting Classics magazine. Todd is also the president of Conservation Hawks, an organization dedicated to educating fishers and hunters on the threats of climate change, and is the president of the School of Trout. Todd is a thoughtful guy, and he discusses the ten things he sees as essential to becoming a great fly fisher. And no, we don't talk about choosing the right fly or using the correct knot. I think some of his thoughts about this topic will surprise you and may make you think differently about your path to becoming happier and less insecure on a trout stream. We have some great questions and tips in the Fly Box this week, including: I want to start Euro nymphing. What's most important--should I look at a new rod, a new reel, or a new line? Which is better for a bonefish leader--nylon or fluorocarbon? A high school senior informs us of a conservation issue and an innovative way to raise funds for the cause. What books should I get as a guide to western hatches? Is it a good idea to attach my leader to a permanent section of monofilament with a blood knot as opposed to a loop-to-loop connection? Tips from a listener on the value of journaling and how to make an insect seine out of your landing net. Should I be using fishing clasps on my trout flies? Is it OK to practice casting in the snow? What should I look at when upgrading my small-stream trout rod? Can steelhead mate with resident rainbows? A suggestion from a listener on why a "dangling" fly is attractive to trout.

As part of Trout Unlimited's weeklong emphasis on the Snake River salmon and steelhead restoration plan, my guest this week is Chris Wood [50:25], president and CEO of Trout Unlimited. Our topic is the plan to remove four dams on the lower Snake River, a monumental project that offers great benefit to this river's historic anadromous fishery, which has been in great decline over the past 50 years. When I first heard of this, I thought it would be a pipedream to even think of removing these dams that supply hydropower, transportation, and irrigation. But Chris has convinced me that those beneficial uses can now be replaced with alternative means, and there is a real possibility of seeing these dams removed in our lifetime. Hopefully, he'll convince you as well. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips shared by listeners, including: How can I land large trout on tiny size 22 nymphs? What can I do to move a big fish that sulks on the bottom? Can you share a few of your DIY hacks for your fly-tying desk? A tip from a listener never to buy or tie just one of a particular pattern. Can I use an old Battenkill 3 reel on my new Clearwater 10-foot 3-weight for Euro nymphing? If you hook a fish deep in the mouth, is it OK to leave the fly in the fish? What is the best way to fish a dry fly directly downstream? Are there special casts I can use? Why did the brown trout in my stream disappear around the middle of October? Why do trout eat my nymphs after they have been hanging below me for 10 seconds? What is a formula for a 15- or 18-foot knotted leader? If I see creek chubs in a pool, should I expect brook trout will be there as well? What is Tom's opinion on the practice of stocking cutthroat trout in eastern rivers? A tip for keeping Sink Putty from sliding up your leader. What are Tom's thoughts on what social media has done to fly fishing? What are some techniques for catching trout that live in undercut banks?

I get frequent questions about fishing emergers and it's a confusing subject. Do I fish one like a nymph, or do I fish one like a dry, and how deep should I fish it. My guest this week, Tim Cammisa [41:06], is a well-known fly tier who specializes in doing presentations on tying and fishing emergers, so I thought it would be great to get his tips on them. In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and thoughtful tips from listeners, including: How do you deal with adding and removing split shot? What should I use to touch up the finish on an old bamboo fly rod? I have some old leader material that is difficult to tighten. Is it because the nylon is old? Why do we think we need so much backing on reels? And why are light lines as long as heavier lines? Can I wear hunting waders for winter fishing? Will stocked trout spawn in rivers if they survive to spawning season? A great tip from a listener on handy modifications you can make to any fly-tying vise Do you know of one pair of sunglasses that will adapt to changing light situations? I am confused by all the hook styles and bead types for Euro nymphs. Can you narrow it down to three styles of hooks and beads in various sizes? What do you think of fishing pegged beads? If I tie a mono rig, can you clinch knot the mono directly to the permanent loop in the fly line? For prescription sunglasses, what color lens and brand do you recommend?