Episodes

  • 683 | Fly Fishing the Missouri River with Craig DeMark - Big Trout, On DeMark Lodge

    683 | Fly Fishing the Missouri River with Craig DeMark - Big Trout, On DeMark Lodge
    Nov 22 2024
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/683 Presented By: On DeMark Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/demark In this episode, we're joined by Craig DeMark of On DeMark Lodge to guide us through the intricacies of fly fishing the Missouri River. You'll discover expert tips on navigating downstream fishing, strategies for handling pressured waters, and the crucial elements of achieving the perfect drift. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Craig's insights will equip you with the knowledge to enhance your fishing experience on the Missouri River. Plus, you'll get his top casting tip and learn what to do when you hook that elusive trophy trout. Join us as we unravel the secrets of the Big Mo with Craig DeMark—your gateway to mastering the art of fly fishing in Montana's majestic waters. Episode Chapters with Craig DeMark on Fly Fishing the Missouri River 3:02 - Craig shares his journey into fly fishing and the establishment of On DeMark Lodge. He taught himself to fish, starting with lakes and gradually moving to streams. Originally from the auto repair industry, he eventually transitioned to fly fishing. 7:43 - We talk about the Missouri River. Craig explains that the river originates from the confluence of the Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison rivers at Three Forks, located south of their area. He also notes that they fish on the stretch below the Holter Dam down to the town of Cascade, a 40-mile stretch known for its diversity and clear waters due to the reservoirs storing cold water. 10:56 - Craig discusses their lodge, a small, family-run lodge located between Great Falls and Helena, Montana, providing convenient access to the Missouri River. They offer a personalized experience with Craig as a guide and his wife and son assisting in operations. The lodge provides easy access to fishing spots, with launch points within a 10 to 30-minute drive. 13:57 - Their fishing trips span from April to October. Craig explains that although the season has ended, the favorable weather could have allowed fishing into November. April begins with variable weather, offering both sunny and cold, rainy days, but it features excellent fishing with minimal crowds. The fishing season wraps up with blue wing olives and October caddis. Craig highlights the abundance of dry fly fishing opportunities throughout the season, expressing gratitude for the rich fishing environment they enjoy. 17:16 - Craig discusses fly fishing techniques on the Missouri River, emphasizing the excitement of tricos fishing, where timing and the right drift are crucial as fish rise to eat small flies like size 18s or 20s. He notes that while the river is known for technical fishing with small dry flies, there are also opportunities to use larger flies like hoppers in sizes 6 and 8 for a few months. Craig prefers using a single dry fly for a better drift but acknowledges that a dry dropper setup can be effective. 19:14 - We get into the use of dry flies during a PMD (Pale Morning Dun) hatch. Craig explains that during such hatches, fish move to shallow gravel bars, sometimes in waters as shallow as a foot deep. Anglers often anchor on these bars, either wading or fishing from the boat. He notes that it's common to find a spot rich with fish and spend several hours there without needing to move much. 21:03 - We talk about fishing for caddis flies, which are prevalent during the June to July summer period and continue into the fall with species like the tan caddis and big October caddis. Craig mentions they had a successful caddis season and describes different methods for fishing them, such as using corn fed caddis and X-caddis flies. 22:46 - Craig advises that newcomers to the area should look for rising fish during hatch seasons, emphasizing that smaller rises often indicate larger fish. He also stresses that achieving a good drift is more crucial than the choice of fly pattern. To achieve a dead drift, he recommends positioning above the fish and utilizing a reach cast technique. 25:18 - We ask his fishing setup, focusing on using 5wt rods for dry flies, with a preference for rods with softer tips. Craig explains they use 9 to 12-foot leaders ending in a five or even four-weight tippet to prevent fish from breaking off. He emphasizes the importance of balancing pressure when reeling in fish, advising anglers to let the fish run to avoid breaking the line. Craig mentions the advantage of being in a drift boat, which allows them to chase the fish downstream if necessary, ensuring a better chance of successfully landing it. 28:09 - We dig into the best times and conditions for dry fly fishing. Craig highlights that the timing depends on what anglers want to experience. Trico hatches are challenging due to the number of rising fish, but the PMD hatch is considered easier, as early-season fish are less picky. For those who prefer not to use nymphs, August offers a great opportunity to fish single dry flies without worrying ...
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    56 mins
  • 682 | Steelhead Fishing in Southeast Alaska with Rick Matney - Montana Trout, Rajeff Sports, Airflo Fly Line

    682 | Steelhead Fishing in Southeast Alaska with Rick Matney - Montana Trout, Rajeff Sports, Airflo Fly Line
    Nov 20 2024

    how Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/682

    Presented By: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Stonefly Nets, Togens Fly Shop, TroutRoutes

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    Would you like to fish for steelhead that are so fresh from the salt that they are blue in coloration and not even quite chrome yet How about traveling to a place where it's highly unlikely that you'll see another angler in a full week efficient? Today we're heading into southeast Alaska to find out how to spot and stock big steelhead on pristine Alaskan rivers...

    Rick Matney, Southeast Alaska steelhead guide, Montana guide, chef, and Alaska immersion program host is gonna share some insight on catching steelhead and some other big species in Alaska. Today we get his best tips on avoiding the crowds, his take on line development, and his experience with Tim Rajeff back in the day. He's going to teach us how to immerse yourself in Alaska and how to not die in an DIY fishing trip. Ocean fishing, salmon, trout, bear observing, cooking... it's all in one trip. Rick's gonna break it all down. So if you're ready to jump in and step into Southeast Alaska and find out how to survive, listen to this episode...

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/682
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 681 | Christmas Island Fly Fishing with Rick Lee - Hawaii, Bonefish, Captain Cook

    681 | Christmas Island Fly Fishing with Rick Lee - Hawaii, Bonefish, Captain Cook
    Nov 18 2024
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/681 Presented By: On DeMark Lodge, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Heated Core, Angler's Coffee Rick Lee, Hawaiian fly fishing master and saltwater expert, is back on the podcast, and today, we're diving into the waters of Christmas Island and Hawaii. Rick’s got the scoop on where to find the biggest bonefish, and he’s sharing some tips on how to DIY your fly fishing trips across Hawaii. We also dive into the crazy world of triggerfish. Ever wonder why they’re called that? Plus, he’s got some wild stories about Captain Cook’s adventures (and how he met his end in Hawaii). Show Notes with Rick Lee on Christmas Island Fly Fishing. 02:33 - We catch up with Rick Lee since our last chat in Episode 116. Rick is still guiding out of O‘ahu while raising his kids. We also discuss the challenges and progress of conserving Hawaii's coastal ecosystems. He said he's helping educate visitors about protecting the bonefish and other species. 07:26 - We catch up with Rick about his time in Hawaii during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was in Christmas Island when things started to get serious and had a narrow escape, catching the last flight home before the island closed for nearly three years. He said tourism in Hawaii took a huge hit, but the silver lining was there was no traffic, no crowds, and empty surf spots. Fishing in Hawaii: What You Need to Know 09:52 - Rick shares some helpful tips for those planning a trip to Hawaii. He said that while Hawaii isn't a top destination for fly fishing, it’s a great activity to add to your vacation, especially if you’re looking for a few hours of fishing before the family wakes up. Oahu has some of the world’s biggest bonefish, but with so many people and tourists, the fishing pressure is high. But Rick still recommends bringing your gear out for an adventure. Aside from bonefish, Rick says you can also fish for triggerfish and some varieties of goatfish. 12:37 - Rick shares that Oahu has flats around the whole island, but winter can bring dangerous surf on the north and west shores, while the south shore gets more giant waves in the summer. For those looking for specific spots, Rick recommends contacting his team for personalized advice based on where you’re staying. Gear Rick suggests using a 7 or 8-weight rod, a floating fly line, and a tapered leader. For flies, crazy Charlie patterns in tan, brown, or orange work well, as do mantis shrimp patterns. 17:28 - Rick talks about catching some really big bonefish in Hawaii, with some reaching over 30 inches! The average fish on their charters weighs around 5 pounds, but you can catch ones that are 7-10 pounds pretty often. 22:53 - Rick explains that Hawaii’s warm water temps stay consistent all year, from the mid-seventies to low eighties. This means you can fish for bonefish pretty much any day of the year. However, late summer and fall can bring rainy weather and strong winds, making fishing tougher. But if you’re up for a challenge, the fishing is still great year-round. Casting in the Wind 23:54 - Rick says the key is to slow down and keep your stroke smooth and powerful. He also recommends casting sidearms to help the fly cut through the wind more efficiently. When it comes to rods, it’s all about personal preference, but fast or medium-fast action rods work best for wind and saltwater fishing. As for fly lines, shorter, quicker shooting lines are great for windy days, while longer lines help with delicate casts when the conditions are better. 27:25 - Rick says there used to be a fly shop called Nervous Waters in Hawaii, but it closed down when the owner retired. If you’re heading to Hawaii, you must bring everything you need. Fishing at Christmas Island 36:40 - Rick shares about Christmas Island, a remote spot south of Hawaii, where you can fish in a beautiful 145-square-mile lagoon. It’s known for its incredible fishing variety, from bonefish and triggerfish to big tuna and sailfish. Triggerfish can grow up to 20 pounds and live in coral forts with special defenses. Rick talks about how tricky it is to catch them, but with the proper techniques, it’s one of the world's best places for trigger fishing. Rick explains that a Christmas Island day isn’t just about targeting one fish species. You could start with milkfish, which travel in huge schools, and then switch to offshore fishing for tuna or sailfish. After that, it’s back to the lagoon to target bonefish and triggerfish. And when you think it’s over, giant trevally might pop up. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/681
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    1 hr
  • 680 | 9 Guide Proven Dry Flies to Catch Trout [Fly Fishing 101 Series]

    680 | 9 Guide Proven Dry Flies to Catch Trout [Fly Fishing 101 Series]
    Nov 15 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/drifthook9

    In this Beginner 101 Fly Fishing Solo episode I share the Top 9 dry flies you need if you are just getting started.

    You can read the full blog post from Drifthook.com at the link above.

    Send me an email: Dave@wetflyswing.com if you have any comments or feedback!
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    12 mins
  • 679 | iFishiBelong with Heather Hodson presented by TroutRoutes - Diversity, Inclusion, Ubuntu Fly Anglers

    679 | iFishiBelong with Heather Hodson presented by TroutRoutes - Diversity, Inclusion, Ubuntu Fly Anglers
    Nov 13 2024
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/679 This episode is presented by TroutRoutes, not only the best mapping app to find the best water but also a company supporting important groups who are pushing for diversity on species and anglers! Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/troutroutes Heather Hodson, an avid spey fishing enthusiast and the founder of United Women on the Fly, shares her exciting initiatives with iFishiBelong.org. We delve into the significance of diversity among anglers, just as vital as the variety of native fish in our cherished streams. We also learn insights from a survey highlighting the role of women in fly fishing. Join us as we discuss the need for swift changes in the industry and explore upcoming events designed to engage and empower the community. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with someone as passionate and busy as me. Episode Chapters with Heather Hodson on iFishiBelong 3:14 - Heather discusses the success and mission of United Women on the Fly, an initiative she has been involved with for eight years that aims to empower and connect women in the fishing community. She notes that while progress has been made, the push for broader industry change has been slow, which led to the creation of her new project, iFishiBelong. This initiative seeks to unite not just women but all people to foster collective change within the fishing industry and beyond, highlighting the need for inclusivity and collaboration to drive progress. 5:45 - We dig into how they started iFishiBelong which aims to create an inclusive environment within the fishing community by advocating for diversity and unity. Heather also explains that while gender discussions are often easier to address, deeper conversations around ethnicity and sexual orientation can be more challenging. The organization aims to bridge these gaps by starting with gender parity and expanding to other areas of diversity. 9:44 - We ask Heather about the evolution of inclusivity in fly fishing, particularly focusing on women's experiences in fly shops. She notes that there has been some progress in making fly shops more welcoming to women, but she emphasizes that change is slower than desired. A survey by United Women on the Fly revealed that while women feel more comfortable in these shops now compared to a decade ago, there's still significant room for improvement. Heather highlights practical steps fly shops can take to fix this. 17:03 - Heather shares that in the current year, their organization successfully hosted four major events focused on inclusivity, both in terms of participant diversity and geographic accessibility. The events took place in New York, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon. These efforts were supported by TroutRoutes, which sponsored scholarships to help attendees cover costs and hire guides. 20:50 - She talks about the success of their event called Trout Fest held in Oregon and confirms plans to hold it again next year. This is a significant event for the local community, providing support and extensive educational opportunities, particularly in fly fishing techniques and entomology. 24:34 - Heather discusses an initiative called "All Kids Fish" founded by Becca Sue Klein in Atlanta, Georgia. This program focuses on engaging young people, particularly girls initially, in the world of fishing and environmental conservation. A key aspect of the program is its diverse mentorship, ensuring that children see role models who reflect their own identities, whether they are queer, transgender, or come from various racial backgrounds. 31:19 - We get into spey fishing. 37:49 - Heather highlights the advantage of using the TroutRoutes app for camping and fishing. It helps her find campsites and navigate the complexities of public versus private land, particularly in regions with restrictive access laws like Colorado. She also mentions features such as gauge stations, which provide detailed water data, and the ability to mark private waypoints, safeguarding secret fishing spots. 41:28 - She discusses one of their programs called Ubuntu Fly Anglers, co-founded by Bob Bartlett and Carl Crawford. This initiative focuses on advocating and supporting black and brown anglers to foster inclusivity outdoors. They recently held an event in Spokane called "We Are Here," which was impactful and highlighted the importance of representation for black and brown anglers. 46:44 - We touched upon the challenges faced by DUN magazine due to COVID-19, which led to its partial dissolution and transition to online formats. Heather highlighted the impact of the pandemic on their community-focused activities, as in-person gatherings were halted. 49:16 - Heather shares her admiration for Rick Hafele, whom she first met at an event in Spokane about 10 to 12 years ago. A self-proclaimed "bug nerd," she took extensive notes during his presentation on entomology. She finds the study of insects, particularly their changing prevalence due to ...
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    58 mins
  • 678 | How to Become a Fly Casting Champion with Chris Korich - Golden Gate Casting Club, Maxine McCormick

    678 | How to Become a Fly Casting Champion with Chris Korich - Golden Gate Casting Club, Maxine McCormick
    Nov 11 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/678

    Presented By: Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Smitty's Fly Box, Jackson Hole Fly Company

    Curious how an 11-year-old girl managed to beat everyone and become the world fly casting champion? Chris Korich, legendary casting coach to top champions like Maxine McCormick, is here to reveal the secrets behind her success.

    You’ll hear Maxine’s full story, from winning her first titles at just 9, 10, and 11 years old to outcasting the best in the world.

    Chris also shares the number one thing every caster should know, along with tips on rod selection, essential gear, and the history of fly rods. Find out why some top pros still swear by 1970s graphite rods to dominate competitions today.

    Episode Chapters with Chris Korich on How to Become a Fly Casting Champion

    02:34 - Chris tells us about his childhood near the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club in San Francisco. He spent his youth at the Oakland Casting Club, which opened its casting pools in 1958, just blocks from his home. By age eight, he had his first job helping people catch fish.

    06:21 - Chris shares how he and his brother stumbled onto their first fishing rod—a discarded, rusty push-button reel they found by chance. They fixed it up and started casting at the trout ponds.

    The experienced anglers noticed and stepped in to teach them how to cast properly. One of them was Tony Perry, who became Chris’s first coach.

    Coaching Maxine McCormick

    09:51 - Chris shares how he became Maxine McCormick’s coach. It all began when he got a call from Donna O’Sullivan, who saw Maxine at the Golden Gate Club. Maxine was only 9 when she started, and within a couple of lessons, she was already scoring casts like a pro.

    15:56 - In 2013, Maxine started training with her dad, Glenn, just a few months after meeting Chris. They jumped into tournament casting, and five months later, Maxine competed in the National Casting Championship.

    She outscored every woman in a national competition. By 11, Maxine was making headlines, beating everyone except Chris and Steve. At 12, she became the youngest world champion in the sport.

    30:06 - Chris explains that starting with a full-flex rod, like the ones from the old days, helps you feel the line better. He also talks about the benefits of shorter rods, especially for beginners or those fishing in windy conditions.

    40:49 - We chat about the best fly rods for beginners, especially for kids. Chris discusses how shorter, softer rods, like fiberglass or combination graphite-glass ones, work great for new casters.

    He shares a cool story where 22 women tried different rods, and everyone picked a short fiberglass rod as their favorite. It helps them feel the line better and roll cast more easily.

    54:10 - Chris shares a fun exercise with a butter knife to help listeners understand the importance of "feel" when fly casting.

    1:00:59 - Chris explains that while many anglers still use long rods, the trend is starting to shift. He compares it to skiing, where shorter skis became popular to help beginners learn, and then they went back to longer skis—only to eventually return to shorter ones again.

    Chris believes that shorter rods make fly fishing easier, especially for beginners, and encourages anglers to try them out.

    1:10:51 - Chris says there's no doubt that Steve Ray Jeff is the greatest fly caster in history.

    1:13:11 - Chris shares the impressive story of Maxine, who broke records at the world fly casting championships in Norway. Despite limited training, she scored 80 points in accuracy and won multiple gold medals.

    Maxine is also focused on finishing her biology degree while still finding time to fly fish and work at a fly shop.
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/678
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Traveled #21 | Fly Fish Food Jimmy's with Madison Losee presented by Yellowstone Teton Territory

    Traveled #21 | Fly Fish Food Jimmy's with Madison Losee presented by Yellowstone Teton Territory
    Nov 8 2024
    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/677 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/teton Today, we explore Fly Fish Food Jimmy's, a top fly shop in the West, now under new management. Join us as we speak with Madison Losee, the new shop manager. She'll share tips for your next fly fishing trip, including ways to avoid crowds on the famous Henry's Fork and her preferred techniques over the dry dropper method in summer. Madison will also share stories, including a surprise visit from a celebrity. Whether you're heading to Idaho or looking to up your fishing game, this episode is filled with insights you won't want to miss! Episode Chapters with Madison Losee on Fly Fish Food Jimmy's 2:17 - Madison explains that after a changeover, the fly shop significantly increased its inventory, especially in fly selection, now offering four times as many flies as before. This expansion was aimed at accommodating the needs of both local fly tying enthusiasts and visitors preparing for fishing trips. The shop is positioned as a central hub for anglers heading to famous fishing destinations such as the Henry's Fork and the South Fork of the Snake River, benefiting from its strategic location near major highways. 4:01 - She discusses her background and experience leading up to her first managerial role at Fly Fish Food Jimmy's. She explains that while this is her first position as a manager, she has a strong retail background from high school and has grown up working for her family's drift boat company, giving her a long-standing connection to the fly fishing industry. 6:47 - Madison talks about the experience of running a fly shop in Idaho Falls, which attracts both locals and tourists. Common questions from visitors include where to fish and what equipment to use. She also highlights the shop's proximity to prime fishing locations like Henry's Fork and South Fork, which are about 30 to 45 minutes away from town. 10:45 - She describes the team at the fly shop. Madison has been with the shop since June of the previous year. She enjoys interacting with regular customers, learning from experienced fly fishers, and staying updated on new products and gear, which she finds both fun and educational. 21:41 - We talk about Jimmy Gabettas, who was the owner of Jimmy's All Seasons Angler before it was bought by Fly Fish Food. Madison shares that Jimmy is enjoying his retirement by taking bucket list trips, including a recent one to Mongolia, and continues to engage in fishing and hunting. Despite retiring, he still visits the shop regularly to stock up on tying materials and shares his fishing experiences with the staff. 15:04 - Madison mentions spending considerable time fishing in Wyoming and expresses particular enjoyment in fishing the Snake River through Jackson, indicating it's a favorite spot. 17:02 - We talk about fishing in the Snake River area in western Wyoming, specifically through Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. Madison explains that while having a boat allows for covering more water, it is not essential for fishing there, though caution is advised due to areas with strong whitewater currents. 19:13 - We get into the best times to fish the South Fork of the Snake River. She mentions that although fishing is possible year-round, her favorite times are May and June during runoff, and especially July during the salmon fly hatch. She explains that this hatch is influenced by water temperatures and can be followed through different sections of the river, typically lasting a couple of weeks from the end of June to early July. 20:24 - Madison shares her preference for using large dry flies rather than a dry dropper setup, highlighting her technique of casting close to overhanging trees and "twitching" the fly to attract fish. She emphasizes the importance of precision in casting, even at the risk of losing flies to tree branches, and describes the satisfaction of making a perfect cast. She also explains her method of twitching the fly by wiggling the rod tip to create movement, which she finds effective in attracting cutthroat trout on the South Fork. 25:37 - She mentions the products available at the shop. Madison also recommends some gear to bring when you a plan a fishing trip to their area. When it comes to casting instruction, she mentions that due to the shop's downtown location, they don't offer in-person coaching. 28:01 - I briefly share about my recent interview with Chris Korich, the coach of renowned fly caster Maxine McCormick. Chris shared insights on how Maxine began casting at the age of nine and quickly won championships, attributing part of her success to the type of rod used. Our episode with Chris will be released in November. 30:46 - Madison describes the experience of visiting their fly shop, highlighting their extensive fly-tying materials section. The shop maintains its original structure, with enhancements for more inventory. 35:48 - She ...
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    49 mins
  • 676 | The Missouri River with Shalon Hastings - Helena Montana, Last Chance Fly Gals, Women in Fly Fishing

    676 | The Missouri River with Shalon Hastings - Helena Montana, Last Chance Fly Gals, Women in Fly Fishing
    Nov 6 2024

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/676

    Presented By: Visit Helena, MT

    On a recent drive across the country, I swung into Helena, Montana. We stopped for a beer, some gear for the trip, and hung out at a local park. And I'll be back this year to fish the mighty Missouri, one of the great rivers out West. In this episode, you're going to hear about a person who sold her business to go all in on fly fishing and where she's focusing her efforts this year. If you're new to fly fishing, then this episode is going to give you some tools and resources to let you know where to start the right way.

    Shalon Hastings, fly fishing instructor guide, an all-around badass fly angler is gonna take us into the Big Mo. You're gonna hear about some of the first things she does with a new student and some things you can take away on this if you're just getting started. And she's gonna talk about why entomology is something you should be learning about. Plus, she's gonna clear the air about women fly fishing in bikinis, all this stuff. We're gonna talk about it and she might have a little different take than you were thinking. We're heading back to the Big Missouri, the Big Mo this year. Let's find out how to do it the right way.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/676
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    1 hr and 2 mins