The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast

[Interview starts at 27:44] This week I have the pleasure of interviewing perhaps the nicest human being on the planet, Tim Linehan of Linehan Outfitters in Libby, Montana.  I think you'll get a sense of what kind of person he is by listening in.  We talk about how the recent pandemic has affected fishing guides and lodges, but on a more fun note, Tim describes his fishery in northern Montana--the only place in Montana where you can catch a true native rainbow trout (rainbows on famous rivers like the Madison, Bighorn, Missouri, and Gallatin were originally stocked).   In the fly box this week, we have these tips and questions: An easy way to make crab eyes Why don't people use a piece of yarn in between blood knots as a strike indicator? Will a 3-weight switch rod handle streamers for smallmouths? What can I do to protect flies and tying materials? Can I use springbok hair in place of deer hair? Can I fish tungsten nymphs on a sinking line effectively? When do I set the hook when sight-nymphing for trout? How do you re-sharpen fly-tying scissors? If I test my dry flies in water and they tip over on their sides, should I still use them? Some further information on how chemical sharpening of hooks works

[Interview starts at 37:13] This week I interview Sam Sifton, former Cooking Editor, now Assistant Managing Editor of The New York Times, and an avid fly-rod striped bass angler.  It's quite a rambling discussion, from striper fishing on Long Island to the current state of striper populations to the writing of Peter Matthiessen.  Along the way, of course we get some fish cooking advice but only for bluefish.  Learn why Sam and I don't eat striped bass (and it's more than just about catch-and-release for the sake of the population).   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: Do you have any tips for fishing a very large river? How long do hooks stay sharp, and can I re-sharpen chemically sharpened hooks? Why don't you develop biodegradable hooks? Why am I having problems catching spring trout in Alaska? I was recently fishing a delayed harvest section and caught some smaller, beautifully colored trout.  Do you think they were wild? Why am I developing pains in my wrist when casting my 8-weight? Should I concentrate on getting really good at catching just one species, or should I try for all the species that are available in my area? In a boundary layer between dirty and clean water, where will I find the trout? In your TV show, you recommended a full sinking or depth charge line for bass in deep water.  Can I use a sinking poly leader on my floating line as well? I am having trouble tying off the hackle at the base of the post on my parachute flies like the Klinkhammer.  Can you suggest some tips? Can I get a fly rod that will be good for both steelhead and musky?

[Interview starts at 38:00]   This week I interview Mark Melnyk, host and producer of The New Fly Fisher TV show and the co-producer of The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing Season 2.  We tell some stories about what it's like filming a show and share some nasty tricks we played on cameramen over the past year.  The Orvis show premieres this week on World Fishing Network, but shows will also premiere for the next 13 weeks every Sunday on The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing You Tube Channel.  Season 2 will also appear on PBS and on Amazon Prime later in the year, once we have all the shows completed.   In the Fly Box this week, we have a couple good tips from listeners (actually adding information to topics previously discussed on podcasts) including more detail on polarized lenses and why tilting your head helps, and also some additional information on keeping your muscles and joints in shape when fishing.   We also have these questions: Should I wait to buy a first fly rod now, or should I  wait until I can go to an Orvis FF101 class once the stores re-open? What suggestions do you have to help me tie on those size 20 and smaller flies? I need up to 8 false casts to cast 60 feet.  What am I doing wrong? I enjoyed watching you tie a Clouser Minnow.  How should I fish this fly for smallmouth bass in a river? Why is it not OK to trim hackle on dry flies? What data would you add to a streamside journal? Do you think personal hygiene affects the sense of smell of trout? Once I start traveling again I want to try some saltwater species.  Which ones should I target on my trip?

[Interview starts at 36:56] Sooner or later, if you fish a lot you WILL develop issues with your elbows or shoulders.  And it's not just us old geezers who suffer from these--I often meet much younger anglers with the same problems.  Anita Coulton is both a fishing guide for Crosscurrent Guide Service and a physical therapist, so she is intimately familiar with the issues we face, how to help prevent them, and how to fix them when they occur.  If you have ever had these problems, or if you just want to know how to keep your upper body in shape for fishing I think you'll benefit from the podcast.   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips:   How do I slim down my fly selection for small-stream fishing? What is the best way to fish crayfish patterns? A question about trout feeding times in relation to season and sunlight I want to catch trout but have only been bass fishing.  What fly line should I get? Should I get a 6-weight or 7-weight rod for smallmouth bass? I fish a really snaggy river.  Should I tie all of my favorite nymphs on jig hooks? Is a 9-foot or 10-foot rod better in the wind? Should I get a Helios 3D or 3F or a Superfine glass rod for all-around fishing in Alberta?  I want to get a 4-weight What is the best all-around color for sunglass lenses? A tip on retrieving lost flies with your magnetic net holder When looking at a fly recipe, how do you know what order to tie in materials? Why wouldn't my spin reel fit on my fly rod, and is it a good idea to put a spin reel on a fly rod?

Interview starts at 32:13 We’ve done a bit with trout Spey on the podcast, but never one specifically on flies for trout Spey.  Luckily, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, who produces the best fly tying videos, has become a trout Spey addict and in the podcast he talks about tactics and tying special patterns for Trout Spey. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following tips and questions: When king salmon move into a pool, do they push the resident trout around? During high water, do trout swim around a lot? A great tip on tilting your head for better glare reduction with polarized lenses Are long-shank hooks a good or bad idea for pike fishing? Why aren’t there more white trout flies? Why is it tough to catch trout in the Northeast during the winter? What advantages does a 10-foot 8-weight H3 rod offer over a 9-footer? I have heard that a heavier rod helps you land bigger fish.  Won’t a lighter rod offer better tippet protection? Is there one line that will work for both Lake Texacoma and Gulf Coast salt water? Is UV resin toxic?  Does it have a strong smell?

Check out Tom's upcoming episode on pre-spawn bass.

Join George Daniel, an Orvis ambassador and expert in Euro nymphing, as he dives into the nuances of fly fishing. He discusses the pros and cons of using monofilament versus specialized fly lines for nymphing. George emphasizes the need for younger anglers, sharing insights on their impact on the sport's future. The conversation also covers effective strategies for carp fishing and mastering hook-setting techniques, ensuring listeners are equipped for success on their fishing adventures.

Interview starts at 41:08 New York State’s Salmon River—you either love it or hate it, and some of us love and hate it at the same time.  It’s an amazing resource, with large quantities of high-quality fish that are often chrome-bright and every bit as hot as their ocean-going relatives.  It’s a beautiful river.  It’s got great water for swinging flies.  And then there’s the tough news.  A river this productive will draw crowds, and some of them are not as well-behaved as most of us would like.  But you can get away from crowds on this river, and Matt Ertzinger,  veteran guide with Tailwater Lodge, shares his secrets on when to fish the river, how to avoid crowds, and what flies and tackle to use.  Is it worth the trip?  This podcast may help you decide.   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following tips and questions: Should I feel dirty about using Squirmies and similar flies? What rod can I use for bass in Mississippi and trout in Arkansas? Are there scuds and sowbugs in Eastern rivers? What advantages do the new Recon Euro-nymphing rods offer? Can I put a 9-weight line on my 6-8 weight reel? Can I prevent my fly line from stacking to one side of the spool? How can I fish a tiny, brushy stream in southern California? How can I get my flies deeper in fast, deep water when fishing for sea-run brook trout? What is the best ay to fish for pike in a small stream? How can I put the hatch guidebook that I bought to good use?

This week we talk about Project Healing Waters and the amazing things it has done for veterans with both physical and mental issues due to their service.  Over 8,000 veterans have been introduced to the healing properties of nature and fly fishing in this program, with hundreds of chapters throughout the country and thousands of volunteers.  Todd Desgrosseilliers, decorated Marine veteran and a beneficiary of this program personally, is now the president of Project Healing Waters and he talks frankly about his experiences as a participant and then as an administrator.  Learn about the program and how you can get involved, whether you are a veteran in need of healing or as a possible volunteer.   In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips: What effects on fishing will the Australian wildfires have? If I see a lot of tiny black stoneflies in the water, does that mean I should be fishing imitations of them? A great additional suggestion on the benefits of a rotary fly-tying vise A stream near me is stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout but it can support wild trout.  Why are there only wild rainbows in this stream? Can flies be made by machine? What stream conditions are best for a single-handed Spey cast? How do I tie a second streamer behind an articulated streamer? What should I teach my wife, who has never fly fished, before we go on a guided trip together? How can I practice for a tarpon trip if I only have an 8-weight rod? What technique would you use on the Green River in Utah? Is my 8 ½ foot 7 weight rod enough rod to use on the Salmon River in New York?

Interview starts at 51:28 This week’s podcast is a spirited discussion with Dr. Andy Danylchuk, Professor of Fish Conservation at UMass Amherst, Science Advisor for Keep Fish Wet (www.keepemwet.org) and Research Fellow for Bonefish Tarpon Trust. My question to Andy was about the effectiveness of catch-and-release as a conservation tool, and as always when talking with a scientist it depends on your definitions. Like “What is conservation?” and predictably that varies with a person’s values and experiences. I thought it was a thought-provoking conversation and hope you do was well. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: How do you put the hackle on a Stimulator? What’s the best way to be ready for smaller cutthroats or big bull trout at the same time? How can I maximize my success when fishing with my 4-year-old? How can I plan  trip to fish the Rocky Mountains? Why do I keep losing fish? Where do natural fly tying materials come from? What is the best way to cast big streamers or nymph rigs? What rod do you recommend for fishing Chesapeake Bay? A tip for a great, inexpensive seine for trout streams Where do you draw the line between ethical and unethical use of electronics when fishing? What do you think of ultra-light fly fishing? Should I get a saddle or cape for tying flies? Do you recommend upgrading to a premium fly-tying vise? Can you explain the difference between tailwaters, headwaters, and freestone rivers?