The Destination Angler Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Our destination is the untamed Upper Peninsula of Michigan with expert fly angler, author, and guide, Tim Schulz, who tours this vastly underrated corner of the US.  With over 12,000 miles of trout streams, the UP is a fly fishing mecca waiting to be discovered.  Tim’s been wetting a line here for 30 years and gives us a whirlwind tour of the Two Hearted, Escanaba, Ontonagon, Otter, and Huron mountains, to name a few. 

Tim’s a professor at Michigan Tech and guides for Rivers North Guide Service in his spare time. His latest book is A Cast Away in Montana.   Today, he shares stories of nosy bears, deep snow, and a lifetime supply of trout streams.  Stick around to the end for pro tips and flies for the UP.  

With host, Steve Haigh

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Destination Angler on YouTube

Contact Tim:  https://timschulzwriter.com/ | [email protected] | Instagram | Facebook  

Please check out our Sponsors:

TroutRoutes

The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today!

Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes   

Adamsbuilt Fishing

THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.

Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt

Angler’s Coffee

Elevating the coffee experience for the fly-fishing community & anglers everywhere with small-batch coffee delivered to your doorstep.  Use code BREW20 and receive 20% off your first subscription order.

Facebook & Instagram @anglerscoffeeco   

Got Fishing

Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.  

Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing

Destination Angler Podcast: 

• Website

·       YouTube

• Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Recorded July 18, 2024.   

Our destination is the famed South Holston River with expert fly angler and guide, Jason McReynolds, owner of Flying So Ho Guide Service, Bristol, TN.  The South Holston is considered one of the top tailwaters in the country, known primarily for trophy brown trout and stripers but also world-class hybrids and smallmouth. 

Using a streamer fishing strategy that has been dialed in over 30 years, Jason and his wife hold several IGFA world records.  Jason shares stories of bait balls and stripers, Browns and broken rods, and why the hot water line is your key to success.  He also reveals his top fly patterns such as the Kitchen Sink, plus stories from his motocross racing days.

With host, Steve Haigh

Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber

Destination Angler on YouTube

Contact Jason at Flying SoHo | 423-534-0806 |  [email protected] | Instagram @flyingsoho

Please check out our Sponsors:

Adamsbuilt Fishing

THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.

Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt

Angler’s Coffee

Elevating the coffee experience for the fly-fishing community & anglers everywhere with small-batch coffee delivered to your doorstep.  Use code BREW20 and receive 20% off your first subscription order.

Facebook & Instagram @anglerscoffeeco   

Got Fishing

Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.  

Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing

TroutRoutes

The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today!

Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes   

Destination Angler Podcast: 

• Website

·       YouTube

• Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Recorded July 11, 2024.   

Our destination is the revered Youghiogheny River in Southwestern Pennsylvania with expert fly angler, Rob Walters, head guide for Laurel Highlands Guide Service.   Once polluted from abandon mines, the “Yawk” as it’s called, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a world-class tailwater with a reputation for big trout and tremendous hatches.

Rob grew up in Delaware fly fishing on local trout streams and stripers in the surf. In 2005, he moved to Pittsburgh and traded in the salt life for the mountain life of Western PA and has been guiding and fly fishing the Yawk ever since.  

Today Rob dials us in to the quality trout waters in the 11 mile middle section, tips on matching streamers to water types and temperature, pike on the fly in the UK, and some great stories of trout so big they straighten your hook.  

With host, Steve Haigh

Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber

Destination Angler on YouTube

Pictures from the Yawk

• @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Facebook and Instagram

Contact Rob:

• https://laurelhighlandsguideservices.com/    |   412-715-8461  |  [email protected]
• Instagram & Facebook @laurelhighlandsguideservices

Please check out our Sponsors:

TroutRoutes

The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it for free in the app store today!

Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes   

Adamsbuilt Fishing

THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.

Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt

Angler’s Coffee

Elevating the coffee experience for the fly-fishing community & anglers everywhere with small-batch coffee delivered to your doorstep. 

Facebook & Instagram @anglerscoffeeco   

Got Fishing

Crafting world Class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.  

Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing

Destination Angler Podcast: 

• Website

·       YouTube

• New podcast!  Destination Angler ADVENTURES Podcast   
• Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Recorded Feb 22, 2024.  Episode 117

Our destination is the lower Gunnison River and our guest is expert guide, Tim Patterson, owner of RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service.  A veritable bug factory, the lower Gunnison and the Gunnison Gorge is known for eye-popping beauty, large trout, and outstanding fishing.   Opportunities for solitude in a true wilderness setting abound on this Gold Medal stream where only two commercial launches are allowed per day.  Listen while Tim dials us into the great diversity of water, abundant bug life, and top fly patterns for angling success.  Bonus: magical times to fish the Gunnison, upping your game on the Salmon Fly hatch, and how mules can make or break your trip!

With host, Steve Haigh

Tim Patterson, Owner, RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service

• Tim’s top flies for the Gunnison: @DestinationAnglerPodcast  (Facebook and Instagram)
• RIGS Fly Shop: 1075 Sherman St, Unit 101, Ridgway, Colorado 81432 | 970.626.4460 | [email protected]
• Facebook –  @RIGSFlyShop
• Instagram - https://www.facebook.com/fishrigs

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• On Instagram: @DestinationAnglerPodcast

• On Facebook:  Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: https://www.facebook.com/DestinationAnglerPodcast

• Join in the conversation with the Destination Angler Connection group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/984515755300748/

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded November 11, 2020.  Episode 28.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Our destination is the Pere Marquette River in western Michigan.  And our guest is Chris Raines, Senior guide, Pere Marquette Lodge, Baldwin, Michigan.  Known for heavy Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead runs, the PM is also an incredible trout stream.  Plentiful runs, riffles, and deep pools, along with easy wading and access make the PM an angler’s dream.  Chris gives us the low down of the PM from top to bottom and teaches the fundamentals of how to win the epic battle of man versus fish.  Bonus: stories of the guiding life – riding a dirt bike, waders on, and not living in a van down by the river!  

With host, Steve Haigh

Chris Raines, Head Guide, Pere Marquette Lodge

• Chris’ top picks: flies for the Pere Marquette River:  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  (Facebook and Instagram)

• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/chris.raines.355
• Cell: 231-794-8892

Pere Marquette Lodge

• https://www.pmlodge.com/
• Instagram – @pmriverlodge  @uberguide1
• Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/PereMarquetteLodge/

Listener Showcase:  Pavel (Pasha) Kirichenko

Pasha is our 1,000th Instagram follower and featured on the show.  He’s an Atlantic Salmon fishing guide in the Kola Peninsula, Murmansk, Russia.   Contact info:  [email protected]

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• On Instagram: @DestinationAnglerPodcast

• On Facebook:

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: https://www.facebook.com/DestinationAnglerPodcast
• Join in the conversation with the Destination Angler Connection group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/984515755300748/

We welcome your comments: contact host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded November 5, 2020.  Episode 27.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Our designation is the Salmon River in upstate New York with Les Resseguie, Biologist and expert fly angler for New York State, Department of Environmental Conservation.  Managed as a trophy fishery, the Salmon River is a top destination for Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead.  With two world records, this river provides tremendous opportunities for anglers looking to ty into that fish of a lifetime.  Les breaks down the river with where to fish, how to fish, and even his own fly patterns.  Bonus: why spey casting is a great way to target these fish.     

With host, Steve Haigh

Les Resseguie, Biologist, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation:

• Les’ picks: top flies for the Salmon River:  Facebook or Instagram:  @DestinationAnglerPodcast
• General email for all things Fisheries - [email protected]

• Facebook – NYS Department of Environmental Conservation https://www.facebook.com/NYSDEC
• Instagram – @NYSDEC
• Twitter - NYSDEC

Resources from NY State Department of Environmental Conservation:

• DEC Delivers newsletter - https://www.dec.ny.gov/public/65855.html
• Fishing - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html
• Places to Fish - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7749.html
• Salmon River - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37926.html
• Salmon River Fisheries Management Plan - https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/r7srmp2017.pdf
• Fishing Regulations - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html
• Sporting Licenses - https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/365.html

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• On Instagram: @DestinationAnglerPodcast

• On Facebook:

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: https://www.facebook.com/DestinationAnglerPodcast
• Join in the conversation with the Destination Angler Connection group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/984515755300748/

We welcome your comments: contact host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded Oct 28, 2020.  Episode 26.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Today our destination is the mighty Bow River in Alberta Canada with expert fly angler, Matt Chatani, Head Guide for Trout Chasers, Calgary, Alberta. The Bow is known the world over for nutrient-rich water that produces an incredible supply of large, aggressive Browns and Rainbows in the 20” plus class. A second-generation fishing guide, Matt has a penchant for the visual aspects of fly fishing and is here to dial us in to the amazing fishing opportunities on this world-class fishery. 

With Host, Steve Haigh

Our Guest, Matt Chatani

• Matt’s top picks for the Bow River:  https://www.facebook.com/DestinationAnglerPodcast/   
• On Instagram:  @MattChat12
• Contact info:  [email protected] | 587-434-7712

Trout Chasers River Company:  http://www.troutchasers.com/

Fish Tales Fly Shop: https://fishtalesflyshop.com

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• On Instagram: @DestinationAnglerPodcast
• On Facebook: Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast:  https://www.facebook.com/DestinationAnglerPodcast
• Destination Angler Connection Facebook Group. Join in the conversation:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/984515755300748/

Contact host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded Oct 20, 2020.  Episode 25.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Our destination is the legendary Henry’s Fork in Eastern Idaho with biologist and expert fly angler, Brett High, Idaho Fish & Game.  The Henry’s Fork is famous for prolific hatches, trophy football-shaped trout, and endless wading opportunities.  Brett covers it all from 15 lb Rainbows in Henry’s Lake to superb and highly technical dry fly fishing on Harriman Ranch to trophy Brown Trout in the lower river.  Voted #1 out of the top 100 streams in the country by Trout Unlimited, the Henry’s Fork should be on every anglers’ bucket list.  Bonus: stories of 25” electroshocked Browns and a 31” state record Cutthroat that towed a drift boat a half mile.  

Brett High, Upper Snake Region 6 Fisheries Biologist, Idaho Fish & Game:

• Brett’s picks: top flies for the Henry’s Fork: https://www.facebook.com/DestinationAnglerPodcast/   
• Contact info: [email protected] | 208-535-8007

Idaho Fish & Game Region 6 page:  https://idfg.idaho.gov/region/upper-snake

Henry’s Fork Anglers Hatch Chart:  https://www.henrysforkanglers.com/fishing-info/hatch-chart

Henry’s Fork Foundation – current conditions:  https://henrysfork.org/mobile/conditions

Brett’s Top Outfitters in the Henry’s Fork area:

• Henry’s Fork Anglers: https://www.henrysforkanglers.com/
• TroutHunter: https://www.trouthunt.com/
• Three Rivers ranch:https://threeriversranch.com/
• Worldcast Anglers: https://www.worldcastanglers.com/
• Teton Valley Lodge: https://tetonvalleylodge.com/
• Henry’s Fork Lodge: https://www.henrysforklodge.com/river-overview
• Jimmy’s All-Season Angler: https://jimmysflyshop.com/

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• On Instagram: @DestinationAnglerPodcast

• On Facebook

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: https://www.facebook.com/DestinationAnglerPodcast
• Join in the conversation with the Destination Angler Connection group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/984515755300748/

We welcome your comments: contact host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded Oct 15, 2020.  Episode 24.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

And today our Destination is the Yukon Territory and the pristine Liard River system.  Our guest is biologist, educator, and backcountry fly angler, Gabe Rivest. Larger than the State of California, the Yukon offers a true wilderness experience for anglers willing to go the extra mile in search of trophy Bull Trout.  Gabe has traveled the backcountry extensively via canoe and shares how to chase massive Bull Trout in small, off-the-grid streams. Bonus: stories of trophy catches, moose hunts, and bears crewing up canoes!

With host, Steve Haigh.

Gabe Rivest:

• Gabe’s picks: top flies for the Yukon:  https://www.facebook.com/DestinationAnglerPodcast/  Bull Trout, Grayling, and surface flies for Pike.
• On Instagram:  @FlyFishYukon
• Contact info:  DM Gabe on Instagram

Gabe’s Top Outfitters in the Whitehorse area:

• UpNorthAdventures: https://upnorthadventures.com/
• H2O Troutfitters https://h2otroutfitter.com/

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• On Instagram: @DestinationAnglerPodcast

• On Facebook

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: https://www.facebook.com/DestinationAnglerPodcast
• Join in the conversation with the Destination Angler Connection group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/984515755300748/

We welcome your comments: contact host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded Oct 8, 2020.  Episode 23.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Our Destination is Northwestern, Connecticut, and the upper Housatonic River.   And our guest is expert guide and speaker, Stephen Pogo-JEN-ski, or Pogo for short.  Pogo has a passion for fly angling for large predator fish such as Muskie and Pike and holds a world record for Walleye on the fly.   Listen while Pogo takes us into the mind of the Northern Pike and top techniques to take ‘em on the fly. Bonus:  Pogo’s take on the perfect mix of water temps, barometric pressure and moon phases to maximize success. 

With host, Steve Haigh.

Pogo_Pike

• Pogo’s picks: top flies for the Housatonic:  https://www.facebook.com/DestinationAnglerPodcast/
• On Instagram:  @Pogo_Pike
• PogoPike YouTube Channel.  Here you will find a tremendous repository of teaching videos on Pike and Muskie fishing:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMEjhOWmC12aPJrKvylInfQ  I particularly like this video – For the Love of Fishing:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdLGhzA7AVI
• Contact info:  [email protected]  (619) 518—8750

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• On Facebook

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: https://www.facebook.com/DestinationAnglerPodcast
• Join in the conversation with the Destination Angler Connection group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/984515755300748/
• On Instagram: @DestinationAnglerPodcast

Comments, suggestions, and guides interested in being on the show, contact host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded Sep 24, 2020.  Episode 22.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”  on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/track/406xtacQIl0jIvWElyLRfC?si=KT8jSjpFTrSQORaJuvsGIA