The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast

In the fly box this week we have questions on making your own braided leaders, boorish behavior on trout streams, the effect of melting snow on fishing, how to test a new fly, the ethics of using a guide to find a spot and then fishing it on your own (don’t do it), and a mystery caller at the end. This week I also share an interview with Jeff Skelding, executive director of the Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR). This is a very effective regional conservation organization that after years of difficult relations with local public officials, state and regional water authorities, and highway departments, has gradually formed very effective partnerships with them. We can all learn from their advice and experience when it appears that conservation and property seem to be at odds. It does not have to be a zero-sum game.

This week I interview Chris Dombrowski, author, poet, and fishing guide. Chris's book Body of Water is one of my favorite fly fishing books--even though it is more about people than fishing. Learn how a guy with the rough hands of a fishing guide and the soul of a poet thinks about our crazy world. We have all listener email this week as the phone calls I had were not the types of questions I can answer in this podcast (where should I fish, etc). WE do have some great questions on rod and reel maintenance and weather, nymphing, how much are "collectors'" flies worth, chemicals in fly-tying material and more.

This is a bit different from regular shows. This is the audio from a Facebook LIVE video show Tom did last week about Orvis' new snips and he also takes questions on various topics. The sound quality is not as high as other shows. If you want to skip the snips presentation, skip ahead about five minutes. You can see the video version and other videos at https://www.facebook.com/pg/orvisflyfishing/videos

In this week’s podcast, I was honored to have Felipe Rodriguez in the studio. Felipe is the head guide for the Orvis trips to Cuba, and is one of the most highly respected guides in Cuba, both for his knowledge of the fishery and for his education efforts with the younger generation of Cuban guides. He had never seen snow before, and arrived in Vermont and New York City in the middle of our biggest snowstorm of the winter. It was an exciting time for us and for Felipe. Also this week, in the Fly Box, we talk more about Mop Flies, basic saltwater patterns, wrist braces for fly fishers with tendonitis, UV and fluorescent materials, and advice for the younger generation of fly fishers.

In this discussion, Landon Mayer, a savvy Colorado guide and author of four fly fishing books, shares his expertise on navigating high water spring runoff for trout. He reveals tips for embracing adverse conditions and using effective techniques like leech imitations and dry dropper setups. Landon also dives into fishing strategies for landlocked salmon in lakes and discusses casting practices with dual indicators to enhance depth perception. Listeners are treated to heartwarming anecdotes and valuable insights into adapting to changing fishing environments.

Pat Dorsey, a leading authority on small fly fishing, teams up with David Grossman, co-owner of Southern Culture on the Fly, to discuss winter and early spring midge fishing in tailwaters. They share expert tips on fly selection, effective midge techniques, and managing gear in challenging conditions. The duo also dives into the dynamics of fish behavior in small streams and offers insights on overcoming common tangling issues with two-fly rigs. Discover the art of angling as they explore the evolving culture of fly fishing and its community!

Hi- This is Jamie Hathaway. I produce both the Orvis fishing and hunting podcasts. I thought you might like to hear Reid Bryant's interview with Tom over on the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast.  Subscribe to the Orvis Hunting and Shooting Podcast on iTunes or at www.orvis.com/podcasts! Reid Bryant shares the booth with Orvis legend and avid hunter Tom Rosenbauer. Best known for his fly-fishing books, fly patterns, and host role with the Orvis Fly-fishing Podcast, Tom is a wealth of knowledge about Orvis and the sporting resources of southern Vermont. Reid and Tom discuss, dogs, ducks, and the symbiotic nature of being a fly angler as well as a bird hunter.

Orvis CEO Perk Perkins gave Tom an important job and Tom is excited to show him the results.  

This week’s podcast interview is with John Rickard, Orvis-Endorsed Guide with Wild Waters Fly Fishing in Shasta, California. Our main topic is winter steelhead in California, but John also gives us some helpful insights on California trout fishing as well. In The Fly Box, we ramble through topics like when to anchor a drift boat and when to keep moving, packing your gear for trips, weighting flies, Softex vs. epoxy, the difference between switch rods and long single-handed rods, and the importance of white nymphs. We also get a stern warning on road-killed songbird feathers—spoiler—even possessing them is a federal felony. Yikes!

One of the most common questions I get on this podcast and in person is "how can i take my fishing to the next level?". My new book, "Fly Fishing for Trout--The Next Level" is out and I'm really proud of it. I made this video to tell you why I wrote the book and how it can help you have more fun on the water. I hope you check it out!