Dead Drifters Society: A fly fishing podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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As the crisp winter air nipped at my fingertips, I'll never forget the electric jolt of landing my first steelhead - a moment of pure exhilaration that only a true angler understands. That same passion for the reel and the river courses through our latest chat with Jerin Harrison, where we recount the highs, the hilarity, and humbling experiences while fly fishing on Vancouver Island. From Jerin’s personal evolution as an angler to the complexities of local fishing systems, and the amusing trials of teaching our partners to cast a line, our conversation is a treasure trove of stories and sage advice for novices and seasoned fishers alike.

Have you ever wondered how the rhythm of the seasons dictates the dance of the fly in the water? In this episode, you’ll be privy to our deep dive into fishing techniques like euro nymphing and swinging nymphs, and the delicate art of choosing the right fly. We examine the symbiotic relationship between work-life balance and fishing, revealing the soul-soothing effects that come with time spent by the water. Whether you’re an ironworker like myself, or you’re tethered to an office chair, there's a shared understanding of the peace that the pursuit of steelhead brings to our otherwise bustling lives.

With conservation at the forefront of our minds, we tackle the pressing issues facing the future of steelhead, discussing the balance needed between hatchery and wild populations, and the potential restoration of iconic systems such as the Thompson and the Gold. As we wrap up, the lure of global fishing adventures calls, from the pristine waters of Alaska to the wild rivers of Patagonia. So, grab your gear, and let's set sail on these eclectic fishing tales with Jerin, with plenty of laughs, lessons, and the lure of the great outdoors beckoning us to cast into the current once more.

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If you've ever wondered about the alchemy of transforming feathers and tinsel into a lfly that outsmarts the wiliest of fish, then you're in for a treat. Reel in some wisdom with fly-tying virtuoso, Ryan Morgan, as he rejoins us after a significant hiatus to weave through the creation of the General Practitioner fly. Step by step, we'll unravel the secrets behind thread placement, the strategic selection of hackle, and how the right touch of tinsel can bring your fly from mundane to masterpiece. It's a blend of art and science, with each twist and turn meticulously designed to culminate in the perfect lure.

The camaraderie of anglers is often found in shared tales and tips, and this episode is no exception. Brian and I swap anecdotes from riverside misadventures, infusing humor with practical advice on the fly-tying techniques that ensure a catch you'll be bragging about for seasons to come. Delicate feather alignment, the correct use of wax, and why the eye of the hook should never be crowded—these are but a few morsels of the feast of knowledge we lay out. Our discussion isn't just about crafting flies; it's about crafting experiences that resonate with the heartbeat of the river.

Tune into this episode as if joining old friends in a cozy riverside cabin, the air rich with the scent of wax and the promise of tomorrow's catch. From the historic lineage of the General Practitioner pattern to innovative solutions for stubborn feathers, every minute is packed with the insight only years of dedication to the craft can provide. Forget about simply listening to a podcast; join us at the tying vise, and let's create something truly enchanting together.

•Ryans Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/0ryan999?igsh=cWpsZng2OWk1bjBm

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On this episode of Dead Drifters Society, we sit down with Ryan Morgan from Vancouver, Washington.

Fly fishing has recaptured Ryan's life and spends his time fishing or at the bench whipping up some flies, which he has become quite talented at. He had the opportunity this year to tie flies at Wasatch flyfishing expo, and has been invited to tie at some up coming shows. 

We talk about how he first got into fly fishing, how it laid dorment in him for many years, and it finally took ahold of his life, and now is one with the force. Also touching on work life, how his passion for fly tying ventured him into photography, and his love for fly fishing history. 

If you want to follow his adventure, check him out @0ryan999 on Instagram. 

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On this episode of Dead Drifters Society, we sit down with Rahjeir Miles- Eubanks, a 26 year old known online as 'On Stream Assassin' and a  pennsylvania native that lives for the tug. Whether it’s sight fishing for spooky carp in lake flats or chasing elusive wilds, he has an expansive knowledge of fish and where they hide. The coolest thing this fish whisperer loves to do, is share his knowledge with the next generation.

If you want to follow his adventure, grab swag, or hit the water with him for a guided trip. Check out his Instagram @onstreamassassins

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On this episode of Dead Drifters Society, we sit down with  Ryan Rachiele, a streamer junkie with a smallmouth addiction from Pennsylvania.  We talk about tactics, rods, lines, and his "secret" love for carp. 

Thanks again Ryan for joining me!

If you want to follow Ryan, check him out on Instagram @streamerjunkie17 

If you want to follow my adventures, head over to instagram @deaddrifterssociety 

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On this episode , it’s my turn to take the interviewee seat which is hosted by Mark Hopley of the Fly Fishing 97 Podcast. We chat about my fly fishing life,  how I started the Dead Drifters Society podcast, and more. 


If you haven’t listened to Fly Fishing 97 Podcast, make sure to check it out!

https://open.spotify.com/show/5qTTELBv5aeKMxISAdqSZ1?si=Bo_oE3HORCCqy9IAFkg3fw

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On this episode of Dead Drifters Society, we sit down with Philip Rowley.  We stick to discussing stillwater and cover a few things from his time in competition fly fishing, how to set up your indicator rig, the naked technique and more.

 Phil has been fly fishing for over 35 years. His love of fly fishing has taken him
across North and South America pursuing trout, Atlantic and Pacific salmon, char,
pike, walleye, and numerous other species on the fly. Phil is probably best known
for his stillwater exploits.
A former commercial fly tyer, Phil has written for almost every major fly-fishing
publication in North America. He has authored four books including his recently
released Orvis Guide to Stillwater Trout Fishing along with numerous feature articles
Phil has been the fly-tying columnist for B.C. Outdoors Magazine for over ten years.
His first book, Fly Patterns for Stillwaters, is a best seller. In 2014, Phil was the
proud recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Fly Tyer magazine, and in
2017 the Jean-Guy Cote award for his contribution to Canadian fly tying.
In addition to his writing, Phil has five instructional DVD's. Recently Phil began
providing online learning through his Stillwater Academy. Phil was also a competitive
fly fisher. He was a member of the gold medal-winning team at the 2017 Canadian
Fly-Fishing championships.
When he isn't on the water, Phil travels North America performing at outdoor shows,
providing seminars, speaking to fly clubs, conducting fly-fishing schools and fly-tying
clinics. Phil also provides instructional stillwater guiding on the lakes located a short
distance from his Edmonton area home.
Phil has appeared on several T.V. shows, including B.C. Outdoors Sports Fishing,
Sports Fishing Adventures, The New Fly Fisher, Sport Fishing B.C., Fishing Alberta,
Let's Go Outdoors, and Fishing with Shelly and Courtney.
Make a point of visiting or following Phil on-line at www.flycraftangling.com or
www.stillwaterflyfishingstore.com and through his social media channels, YouTube,
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Thanks Phil for coming on the Podcast.

If you want to follow my adventures, go check me out on Instagram @deaddrifterssociety 

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On this episode of Dead Drifters Society, we sit down with Kristjan Shoemaker. Kristjan is extremely passionate about casting two-handed rods and swinging flies for that reactive grab, and loves his time on the ocean - or really any body of water. He started tying flies at 8 years old and loves tying for all species, but especially whipping up traditional salmon & steelhead flies. In high school, one of his elective classes was tying flies. He now runs the program and continues sharing his knowledge and passion for the art. 

If you want to follow his adventures, go check him out on instagram @kristjanshoemaker

If you want to follow my adventures, check me out on instagram @deaddrifterssociety

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On this episode of Dead Drifters Society, we sit down with Connor Andrew. He currently manages Sporting Life Fishing Outfitters in Turangi, New Zealand and is a marine engineer by trade. He has spent nearly all of his life fishing but only got into fly fishing a few years ago and it has now become his passion, particularly fishing with a two hander. Now he spends all his time chasing the big summer brown trout and winter runs of rainbows that come up the Tongariro every year, as well as some salt water and back country fly fishing missions. We also discuss his travels to Vancouver Island to chase steelhead, how the New Zealand fisheries work, and the impressive sizes that can be found out there. Lastly, we get into the various tactics for hunting for big browns during the day and night.

Thanks Connor for joining us.

If you want to Follow his adventures, head over to Instagram @newzealandflyfisher

If you want to follow my adventures , head over to instagram @deaddrifterssociety