The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

It might not be glamorous, but it sure as hell catches fish.

In this episode, Ross takes a deep dive into indicator nymphing—the most misunderstood, underrated, and effective technique in all of fly fishing. From foam to yarn to Air Locks and beyond, he breaks down the pros and cons of different indicator types, how to rig them, and when (and when not) to use them.

This episode is packed with practical insights to make you more effective on the water—and maybe help you see “bobber fishing” in a whole new light.

Because in the end, it’s not about what’s on your line. It’s about what’s willing to eat it.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

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The wild doesn’t stay wild on its own.

In this opening episode of Season 5, Ross returns from Mongolia—where he chased the legendary taimen on some of the most remote water on Earth—and reflects on what he found there. Among endless stretches of untouched country, a massive new highway project is cutting its way through the steppe, a reminder that even the most isolated landscapes are not beyond the reach of civilization.

This episode sets the stage for the season ahead, exploring not just backcountry fly fishing (although there will be plenty of that), but how the pursuit connects us to the fragile balance between wilderness and human ambition. 

Season 5 begins with a call to remember that the outdoors isn't just our sanctuary—it's our responsibility. And sometimes, stewardship isn't just about protecting what we have. It’s about deciding what we’re not willing to lose.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Alright, you've picked the perfect high-alpine lake, found the perfect weather window, nailed your timing, and made the hike. What the hell do you do now?

In this episode, Ross walks you through how to make it happen on high-alpine lakes, which can be among the toughest places in the world to fly fish if you're not prepared.

If you're not sure what gear you need, wonder which patterns you ought to have in your box, or are looking for some tactics that might just save your day, this one's for you.  

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

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If you love backcountry fly fishing, chances are you love hiking to high-alpine lakes. But as stunning as these remote waters are—tucked away in rugged mountain ranges—they can be unpredictable and frustrating if you don’t time your trips right.

In this episode, Ross breaks down how to plan and time your next hike to a high-alpine lake, sharing practical tools, tips, and advice to help you stay safe and find success at the top of the world.

Here are some resources for you to check out:

Copernicus Browser (Sentinel Satellite Imaging)

AllTrails (for the latest reviews and reports)

National Weather Service (for the best daily forecasts)

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 If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

The wild is unpredictable. That's why we love it.

But when you're catching fish out in the sticks by yourself, you have to make peace with the fact that no one is coming to bail you out. That means you have to practice self-reliance, and that starts with having the stuff you need (or might need) if things go sideways. 

In this episode, Ross talks about the importance of being prepared for your backcountry trips and what he carries in his day pack to ensure he's as safe as he can be in the woods or on a mountaintop, no matter how rough the terrain. 

You can check out the full gear checklist here.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

Welcome back, friends. It's officially time for Season 4 of the BCFF Podcast.

In this episode, published right on the cusp of prime backcountry fly fishing season, Ross breaks out his tweed jacket to talk about the philosophy of why we go to hard places to catch fish. 

Spoiler alert: It ain't really about the fish at all.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

Well, it happened. DC politics have collided with our time in the woods, and that means we've gotta talk about it (even if we'd rather not).

In this special--and urgent--episode, Ross talks about a provision in the U.S. Senate GOP's budget reconciliation bill that would mandate the sale of millions of acres of federal land--the same land we use to hike, camp, and fly fish. 

You can read more about the proposal and find a map of the lands potentially up for sale from The Wilderness Society here. 

This bill is moving quickly. Now is the time to speak up for the places you love. If you'd like to contact your congresspeople, you can do so through the digital advocacy campaigns below or by looking them up yourself here. 

This is our national identity, our heritage. Don't sit this one out. 

Trout Unlimited Campaign

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Campaign

The Wilderness Society Campaign

Alright, friends, we've come to the end of Season 3. We hope you've enjoyed this season and come away with a bunch of helpful information.

It's been incredible to watch the growth of the BCFF Podcast and to speak to so many of you about your own fly fishing stories. THANK YOU for listening, for taking the time to send your thoughts, and for being part of this crazy backcountry fly fishing thing we all love so very much.

We'll be back in a few weeks with the start of Season 4. Until then, stay safe and fish your face off. 

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

If you're like Ross, you could probably spend your entire life exploring the waters in your home state and still never come close to seeing them all. But we live on a big planet full of interesting fish that will eat a fly in wild places, and sometimes you want to get out and see something radically different--think float plane trips in the Northern Rockies, stalking GTs off the coast of Africa, or throwing flies at monstrous taimen in the Mongolian Steppe. 

In this episode, we are joined by Chris Hunt from Hatch Adventure Travel. In addition to being a hardcore fly angler and prolific author on the sport for Hatch Magazine and others, Chris and his partners help organize some of the most incredible fly fishing adventures you could ever dream of.

Learn more about Hatch Adventure Travel here. 

Contact Hatch Adventure Travel here.

Look up fish species you've never heard of here (just kidding).

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

We are fortunate to live in an age where technology can help support our backcountry adventures and keep us safe and connected while we're in the wild. 

This week we take a deep dive into safety technology with Rehan Nana, who for outdoor tech giant Garmin. Rehan walks us through Garmin's history, technological solutions, and how electronics can help keep you safe in the wilderness.

If you'd like learn more about Garmin or check out their products for yourself, you can find more information here. 

Check out the Garmin 2024 inReach SOS Year in Review here.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639