Explore every episode of the podcast The Wadeoutthere Fly Fishing Podcast

In this episode, we WadeOutThere with Christopher Teas from Bal Harbor, Florida.  Christopher was born in Wisconsin, where he was introduced to fly fishing, before moving to Colorado at an early age. He eventually began guiding as a teenager to make money before attending college in Oregon, where he continued guiding for steelhead as well.

Christopher went on to build a career in business and investments, but his passion for fly fishing never left. He continues to travel and fish all over the world.

We discuss Christopher’s perspective on the evolution of the fly fishing industry, why he believes water and fly fishing can be the ultimate equalizer, and some of the tactics and lessons he’s developed over a lifetime on the water.

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Tanner and Morgan Barbeau from Buena Vista, Colorado.  Tanner learned to fly fish from his father at an early age on the famed tailwaters of the San Juan river.  Morgan graduated school and took a nine to five job in corporate America having never fly fished before.  The pair met in Buena Vista and fell in love with each other, while Morgan was falling in love with fly fishing.

Tanner had been guiding for several years when Morgan lost her job.  Together they made fly fishing their priority, growing together as anglers and eventually turning their passion for videography and storytelling into their own production company and YouTube channel, Mopfly Productions. 

We discuss how Morgan and Tanner have managed to stay connected to each other, fly fishing and the art of story telling through patience and passion.

Learn More:
MopflyProductions.com
Instagram: @mopflyproductions
YouTube: Mopfly Productions

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Ben Wilcox, from Essex, Vermont.  Ben was introduced to fly fishing after college when he and his friends traveled to Maine to support a friend going through hard times.  Although he struggled to catch any fish for the first couple years, something  about the process of learning kept Ben coming back. 

Book by book and tactic by tactic, Ben worked his way from novice angler to competitor for team USA.  Now, Ben has a guide service called Maple Country Anglers.

We discuss dry dropper tactics Ben has developed to target trout in his home waters of Vermont, the value of exploring trout waters, and how confidence plays a key role in a fly fishers progress early on.

Learn More:
MapleCountryAnglers.com
Instagram: @benwilcox_maplecountryanglers
AmberRidgeMaple.com

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Jesse Alberi, from Dillon, Montana.  Jesse grew up dunking grasshoppers for trout in his homewaters around Dillon, and on his family’s ranch in Red Lodge.  After attending school in North Dakota, he took a job in Alaska, where he fell in love with fly fishing and his wife.  They moved back to Jesse’s hometown of Dillon, to raise their young daughter amongst friends and family.

In October of 2008, Jesse rolled his truck on an icy road, and suffered a spinal injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down.  Recovery was a long road, but eventually, with the help of friends and family, Jesse moved forward and began his path to not only break through the limitations that his disability presented, but help bring others hope… through fly fishing.

We discuss Jesse’s journey back to fly fishing after his accident, how friendship and adventure gave birth to his organization Access Unlimited, who with the help of the High Fives Foundation, is bringing the healing power of fly fishing to motivate and encourage those with disabilities to overcome limitations.

Learn More:
High Fives Foundation.org / Access Unlimited
Instagram: @Accessunltd

Mend Documentary Film (Jesse's Story)
Instagram: @mend.film

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Taylor Todd, from Helena, Montana.  Taylor began fly fishing almost immediately upon beginning college at Oregon State.  He was a volunteer firefighter and paramedic there, and his roommates at college and Lieutenant at the firehouse left him nowhere to go where fly fishing wasn’t a source of learning, camaraderie, and fun on the river.  

After school he moved to Wisconsin where he continued to pursue a career as a paramedic until one summer he decided to head west to the Rocky Mountains and immerse himself in his love for fly fishing.  He landed a spot at a guide school on the Bighorn and a job at a fly shop in Montana.  He and his wife made the move and have been living happily in Helena Montana ever since. 

Taylor became a guide and eventually started his own outfitter, Mountain Prairie Guide Service, where he fishes the Blackfoot and Missouri Rivers, among others, and also guides bird hunting and dog training in the fall. 

In this conversation we talk matching the hatch, and no rabbit hole goes unexplored.  We cover how (and why) matching the hatch sometimes plays second fiddle to presentation, when presentation just doesn’t cut it, and of course, we take a deep, DEEP dive into the tactics and techniques Taylor uses to pick the right dry flies on his home water.  We also share thoughts on why fishing with friends is a special part of fly fishing for both of us.

Learn More:
Email: Taylor@MountainPrarieOutfitters.com
Mountain Prairie Outfitters.com
Instagram: @realtodd
Instagram: @mountainprairieoutfitters

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Riverhorse Nakadate, from Houston Texas. Riverhorse was born in Austin, Texas to a single mother and joyful days playing in the Colorado River and at the public library.  His adopted father was a professor of literature and steelheader, which cemented his love of books and fishing at an early age.  The family spent summers along the Oregon coast, where Riverhorse immersed himself in the ocean… fishing and surfing.   

After traveling the world surfing, playing music, and writing articles for surf and fly fishing magazines, Riverhorse returned to Texas, and fly fishing… in the local salt marshes and lakes around Houston.  Riverhorse is a musician, conservationist, fisherman, surfer, and thoughtful author, whose first book, Waterlines, shares his most treasured stories.  The beautiful and painful ones.

We discuss Texas fly fishing from a canoe for redfish and large mouth bass, Riverhorse’s love of writing and books, and how searching for our own “child’s heart,” can bring meaning and joy to life.

Learn More:
Instagram: @Riverhorse_Nakadate
Waterlines: A Life on Marshes, Rivers, Seas, and in the Rain. By Riverhorse Nakadate
YouTube: It’s All Home Water | A Northern Light
YouTube: Love & Water: Fly Fishing for Redfish and Bass and Redfish with Riverhorse Nakadate 

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with John Duncan, from Telluride, CO. John grew up learning to fly fish in Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, hiking and backpacking to access fishing in small streams and remote lakes.  His love for the mountains drew him to attend college in Colorado Springs, CO, where he fell in love with the weather, the skiing, and the fishing.  Telluride, became the perfect place for him to grow a life around the fly fishing industry.

John has been a guide, a marketing and sales rep for Scott Fly Rods in the early days of their relocation to Colorado, and been helping people enjoy the fly fishing of his beloved Telluride for years through the fly shop and guide service Telluride Angler. 

We discuss tactics for fishing small freestone streams and high country backpacking in both Southwest Colorado and the Olympic Penninsula.

Learn More:
TellurideOutside.com
TellurideAngler.com
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | We All Have Home Water
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Six Techniques for Fishing Small Streams
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Seven Reasons to Fish Small Streams

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Mark Raisler, from Craig, Montana.  Mark grew up in Washington State’s Skagit Valley, in an outdoors family where fishing was a distant third priority, behind skiing and hunting.  

He first came to Montana for something to do when he wasn’t skiing, but quickly found the Missouri River and fly fishing.  When he realized summers were nowhere near enough time to try to catch all the wild trout in the river, he moved to the banks of the Missouri full time.  That was 1997, and he’s been working on figuring out those fish ever since.

Now, Mark is a co-owner of Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana where he has guided for years.

We discuss dry fly techniques, casting accuracy, and why “good drifts, near fish” are the keys to success when fishing to the surface on the Mighty Mo.  Mark and I also wax a little philosophy on how contextual memory is a special part of fly fishing, and life.

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Dax Messett, from Medford, Oregon.  Dax moved to the Lake Tahoe area after college to pursue his love for the outdoors, and immediately found fly fishing as another way to explore.  He started his fly fishing journey on the Truckee River, and later began guiding in the surrounding Northern California streams and lakes.  Next, came year round guiding, winters in New Zealand, and a relationship with adventure that felt more normal with than without.

For Dax, fly fishing became his vehicle for exploring the world.  His vehicle for  traveling to exotic and remote places.  Visiting whatever mountains, lakes, rivers, and oceans that captured his attention and excitement.  Always with a fly rod in hand.

We discuss Dax’s perfect fly fishing year, covering where he would fish every month of the year and why, while Dax also shares stories and lessons learned that he takes from each fishery.  Twelve months. Twelve fisheries.  One passionate angler.  Here comes the Year of the Nomad Angler.

Learn More:
Daxfly.com
Namproducts-usa.com

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Noah Dahlke, from Bozeman, Montana.  Noah grew up in an Air Force family, with roots in Wisconsin.  While his father was stationed everywhere from Minot, North Dakota to Oklahoma, to Great Falls, Noah always looked for chances to fish, and tie.  

He also looked forward to the summers, when he could return to his home state and fly fish with his grandfathers.  He often would send them flies he tied to test before his visits, and made the trips home even more special.  One of those flies became the Legacy Leach, which was picked up by Umpqua Feather Merchants as one of their signature flies.  

When his father retired, the family ended up in Bozeman, and Montana State became the obvious choice for a young man who wanted to attend school for engineering, and continue to hunt and fish.  

Now, Noah has found a job, and a new life, in Helena, where his dream of working and fishing in Montana has come true.  

We discuss streamer fishing in Yellowstone National Park, as well as Noah’s thoughts on the importance of fishing with the ones you love with the time you have.

LEARN MORE:

Noah's "Legacy Leech" at Umpqua Feather Merchants

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Andrew Kangas from Cameron, Montana.  Andrew grew up in Michigan, learning to fish with conventional gear and dabbling in fly fishing with a fly rod he picked up at a neighborhood garage sale.  

When a family friend living in Montana invited his family to stay with her for a trip to Yellowstone Park, Andrew saw it as an opportunity to dive deeper into fly fishing.  The trip turned into a wildly fun and productive fly fishing adventure.  So when that family friend offered her basement to Andrew to come and spend summers fishing, he jumped at it.  He also jumped at the opportunity to begin his guiding career at Kelly Galloup's Slide Inn fly shop,  on the Madison River.  

Now Andrew splits his time between Montana and Michigan.  Guiding, hunting, and fishing for himself, all while continuing to challenge himself with new waters and new species.  

We discuss streamer tactics on the Madison River, how different streamers can lend themselves to different styles of retrieves, and how Andrew looks forward to continuing to challenge himself as he grows as a fishing guide.

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Jeremy Nolan from Durango, Colorado.  Jeremy moved to Colorado over twenty five years ago to pursue his passion for skiing and mountain biking while attending college.  One of the texts he picked up was an Orvis book on fly fishing.  Soon he and his friends were fishing the San Juan River and learning as they went, but Jeremy knew his future career would be on the water.  

After graduation he began guiding and eventually started his own outfitter, Headsup Fly Fishing and later a guide service in Honduras, where he has been fishing for nearly twenty years without missing.  

We discuss the solitude that can be found fishing in southwestern Colorado, as well as his multi-day adventure trips that explore mountain lakes and streams, often on horseback.  Jermey also shares his techniques for streamer fishing on freestone rivers and his experience growing his skills and his business in Utila Honduras, teaching new guides while remaining open to growth.  

Learn More:

HeadsUpFlyFishing.com

Flyfishutila.com

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Tyler Mills from St.Paul, Minnesota.  Tyler grew up gear fishing with his friends and family in upstate New York, spending nearly every day of the summer on the St. Lawrence River.  It didn’t take long for Tyler to find fly fishing, which he took with him to Seattle where he worked in the snowboard industry.  

When he lost his job during COVID, Tyler ended up finding himself learning a new fishery every three months while he visited his then girlfriend, and current wife, who was a traveling nurse.  When they landed in Wyoming, Tyler left his life in Seattle and turned to fly fishing for the presence and peace that it brought him and others, while he supported his wife’s nursing career.  

Tyler’s passion for fly fishing also brought him a new career in Minnesota, where he is a fly fishing guide and jet boat captain on the Upper Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, targeting smallmouth.  

We discuss how fly fishing helps us all be more present, how COVID gave Tyler the opportunity to grow as an angler by learning new fisheries, and Tyler’s two favorite presentation techniques for hooking up with smallmouth on top of and below the water.

LEARN MORE:

Thornebros.com

DavidHolmesGuiding.com

Instagram: @cuffsfullofdustandfeathers

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Tim Nation, from Kammas Utah.  Tim grew up in Illinois in a family where hunting and fishing was a way of life.  He found himself uniquely drawn to the fly rod, and it soon became his favorite way to catch fish.  It has been his passion ever since.  

Tim spent much of his time as a teenager honing his fly fishing skills and searching for trout in the Ozarks. Looking for a spot he could call home, Tim tried his luck out West.  After multiple western states didn’t seem like the right fit, a last minute stroke of providence, in a Utah trout stream parking lot, solidified his future in fly fishing.   

Tim feels a deep personal connection to the Provo River, and has been fishing and guiding on it for over a decade.  

We discuss what I consider “the big five” fly fishing tactics: fly selection, reading water, presentation, casting, and fighting fish, all on the Provo River. 

Learn More:
Email: Timnation6622@live.com
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | All the Trout Are Bigger Across the River
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Small Flies, Light Takes, and Lost Fish. It’s Good for You.
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | The Orange Scud Theory

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Caleb Andrews, from Charleston, South Carolina. Caleb fell in love with fly fishing early in life and continued to fly fishing during college in Tennessee while pursuing a degree in material science and engineering.  

Although Caleb had always envisioned using his degree to land a job in the outdoor industry, he eventually took an engineering job in South Carolina.  Soon, Caleb discovered and embraced his new fishery, pursuing red fish along the low country coastal waters. Before long, Caleb had bought a flats boat, moved to Charleston, and decided to “go for it,” helping others catch red fish as owner and head guide of his fishing charter Tails of the Tide. 

We discuss ways for maximizing efficiency while fishing and tying flies for red fish, how Caleb’s engineer mindset helps him weigh possibilities and probabilities while fishing Charleston’s huge tidal swings, and presentation techniques for red fish.

Learn More:
Tailsofthetide.com
Phone: 434-981-6473
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | How to Get the Most From Your Time on the Water

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Jon Lee from Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Jon grew up in southwest Michigan, just outside of Kalamazoo.  He was introduced to fly fishing on the Pere Marquette River as a teenager, spending time with his great uncle, and slowly embracing the value of learning over catching.  

As a child, Jon would search through magazines depicting distant and exotic outdoor adventures that seemed out of reach, until he combined his love of fly fishing with an unapologetic work ethic and made his dreams of seeing the world a reality as a fly fishing guide.  After exploring many distant outdoor experiences, Jon moved home, to Michigan, to guide the waters of his youth, on the Kalamazoo River.  

We discuss smallmouth bass fishing on the Kalamazoo River, the value of perspective while pursuing fly fishing, and Jon’s book, A Guide’s Day Off, about the moments in fly fishing that make it special.

Learn More:

IG: @kalamazoo_river_guide
Jon's book: A Guide's Day Off
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | The Fish Are Always Biting - Mindset
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Small Flies, Light Takes, and Lost Fish. It's Good For You

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Mickey Anderson, from Salt Lake City, Utah.  Mickey grew up in Utah, and was introduced to fly fishing on a trip into the Uinta Mountains with his wrestling team in high school.  He went on to work in the fly fishing industry as an early fly shop owner with Anglers Den and later Fish Tech. 

He has been teaching and instructing fly fishing, fly tying, and fly casting in one way or another for nearly fifty years, and he still finds the time to get out over a hundred times a year, these days spending much of that time exploring the mountains via hiking, backpacking and in his side by side.  

He also has been an avid designer for companies such as William Joseph, and later Rising, where he has won awards for his products and helped introduce the world to things such as the chest pack and net holsters.  

If you have been a member of a fly fishing club, committee, class, or expo in the Wasatch area of Utah… you’ve probably met Mickey.  

We discuss explorations of Utah’s Uinta mountain lakes and tactics for fishing them, including the importance of depth control and fly retrieve.  We also talk about the gear that will make your job easier.  Mickey shares his take on what makes a good fly fishing gear storage system (whether it's a vest, a hip pack, a sling, or just where you put your net) and how to find what works for you.

Learn More:
Risingfishing.com
Wasatchexpo.com
Utah Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council
Fishtechoutfitters.com

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Piper Nunn from Fort Collins, CO.  Piper grew up in Colorado, spending time alone on the river even before she found fishing.  It was after she began working in a local bagel shop in Fort Collins, that her co-workers talked her into giving fly fishing a shot. 

She loved it from day one, and from then on, much of her spare time in school was spent on the Poudre River, fishing and finding inspiration for her art.  She loved fly fishing so much actually, that it inspired her to change her college major to fisheries.  It also inspired her to paint more; using the details of her studies to help inform her art, while simultaneously allowing her art to help her move through school. 

Piper began sharing her paintings with the world and soon was receiving numerous commission requests and making a full time living from her art.  But eventually the grind of production, forced her to take a step back from art and realign her passion with the inspiration that started it all. 

We discuss tactics for the Poudre River and how sometimes taking a step back can move you forward in art and fishing.

Learn More:
Saint Pete’s Fly Shop in Fort Collins, CO
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Small Flies, Light Takes, and Lost Fish. It’s Good for You
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | The Gift
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | The Art of the Missed Hookset

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Eric Naguski from Boiling Springs Pennsylvania.  Eric’s earliest memories all involve fishing.  He fell in love with the idea of problem solving from the beginning, catching fish from the dock of his father’s sailboat in Maryland.  A cousin gave him a fly rod and thus began his lifelong love of fly fishing. 

After childhood, Eric ended up back in his birth state of Pennsylvania, where he fished for nearly twenty-five years before deciding it was time to start guiding.  His guide service is called Rise Forms Fly Fishing.  Eric is also a voracious fly tyer, and is the author of the book Favorite Flies for Pennsylvania: 50 Essential Patterns from Local Experts. 

We discuss Erics’s love of topwater fly fishing in Pennsylvania, situations and techniques for imparting movement on dry flies, and tips for organization and efficiency in fly tying.

Learn More:
Favorite Flies for Pennsylvania: 50 Essential Patterns form Local Experts
RiseFormsFlyFishing.com
Instagram: @Riseformsff

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Nick Teynor, from Salt Lake City, Utah. When Nick was a child his family road tripped from Maryland to Washington State for his father’s job transfer.  Along the way, he was introduced to fly fishing, while watching drift boats out the car window in the Rocky Mountains.  A stop at the family’s cabin in Montana sealed the deal.  He had a fly rod in his hand for the first time, and from then on it was all he wanted to pursue and learn about in the fishing world.  

Nick’s family later moved to Utah, where his time on the water exploded, as he was able to access water from his bike on weekends and after school.  Nick stayed in Utah, and has worked at Western Rivers Fly Fisher, in Salt Lake City, for over nineteen years as both a guide and now, primarily as an instructor.  

We discuss the Provo River and seasonal tactics for soft hackle, including presentation techniques, swinging, and fly selection.  Nick also shares his thoughts on guiding versus instructing in fly fishing. 

Learn More:
Instagram: @thepurplerooster
WesternRiversFlyFishing.com

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part 2 of our conversation with Alex Emery, from Livingston, Montana. Alex started fly fishing as a child with his father in New Jersey and continued during school at West Virginia University, becoming involved with the fly fishing club as well.  

After college, Alex’s search to continue his passion for fly fishing, and build a life and career connected to the outdoors brought him to Sweetwater Travel Company Guide School, on the Bighorn River in Montana.  Alex went on to become a guide on the Yellowstone River and surrounding area for over eight years.  Alex has been a guest on the podcast before.  Since the last time we talked, he's started his own outfitter, Livingston Trout Guides.  

We discuss summer underated and exciting dry fly fishing and hatches on the Yellowstone River.

Learn More:

LivingstonTroutGuides.com
Instagram: @flieronthemountain

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part 1 of our conversation with Alex Emery, from Livingston, Montana. Alex started fly fishing as a child with his father in New Jersey and continued during school at West Virginia University, becoming involved with the fly fishing club as well.  

After college, Alex’s search to continue his passion for fly fishing, and build a life and career connected to the outdoors brought him to Sweetwater Travel Company Guide School, on the Bighorn River, in Montana.  Alex went on to become a guide on the Yellowstone River and surrounding area for over eight years.  Alex has been a guest on the podcast before.  Since the last time we talked, he's started his own outfitter, Livingston Trout Guides.  

We discuss fly fishing before, during, and after spring run off on the Yellowstone River and freestone rivers in general.

Learn More:

LivingstonTroutGuides.com
Instagram: @flieronthemountain

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Loren Williams from Saratoga Springs, New York.  Loren grew up in Pennsylvania fishing with his father from the time he was three years old.  At seven, he found an old fly rod, his father’s fly tying vise and a book on how to tie trout flies by George Harvey.  

Loren transformed these tools into a life long love of fly fishing that spanned from fly fishing small ponds with homespun flies, to long days of fishing and learning from George Harvey and Joe Humphries in the local fly shop in State College, to competing on Team USA, guiding, and teaching.  

We discuss United Kingdom style loch fishing from a row boat, techniques for small stream fishing in New York, and why Loren has a special place in his heart for one of our western rivers’ native fish.

Learn More:

Instagram @adiposefan
Email: lorenwilliams595@gmail.com

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Mike Schultz from Dexter, Michigan.  Mike grew up in Michigan fishing conventional gear on small ponds and lakes around his home, until he started driving and found the Huron River. On a trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he was introduced to fly fishing while being drawn to the rivers’ salmon and steelhead. He continued fly fishing back home on the Huron River while waiting for the salmon seasons up north.  

Mike played hockey in college and attended business school, while continuing to fly fish.  After school he continued fly fishing and guiding until his dream of building his own shop became a reality.  Today, Mike is a guide and owner of Schultzoutfitters, located on the banks of the Huron River, not far from where his love of fly fishing took hold as a child.  

We discuss building a confident and welcoming fly shop team, the Huron River, and Smallmouth tactics and fly design.

Learn More:

SchultzOutfitters.com

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Dallas Eastman from Fountain, Colorado.  Dallas grew up mostly bass fishing in Minnesota but when he moved to Colorado in 2019, he quickly made some fishy friends that introduced him to fly fishing.  

Dallas works full time as a carpenter and is a part time guide for his own outfitter Trouts and Stouts, where he focuses mostly on the tailwater sections of the Arkansas River around Pueblo and back country overnight trips in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  

We discuss the advantages and techniques for winter fishing on the Arkansas River.   

Learn More:

Troutsandstouts.org

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Jarob Ortiz, from Arlington, Virginia.  Jarob started fly fishing in 3rd grade, after being drawn to the delicate cast and presentation portrayed in the popular book and movie, A River Runs Through It.  He learned to cast from his uncle from Montana, and when he signed up for the Air Force out of high school, Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska was at the top of his list.  

When he wasn’t working in the A-10 Warthog’s electronic warfare shop, he was spending all his free time traveling to fishing destinations throughout Alaska.  After separating from the Air Force, Jarob used his G.I. Bill to pay for photography equipment and education, to start his second career.  

Jarob spent several years being a commercial photographer and fly fishing on the side, before making a last ditch attempt to keep his passion for photography alive, applying for a dream job, shooting our National Parks in the style and technique of famous photographer Ansel Adams.  

Today, Jarob is THE large format photographer for the national park service, tasked to capture the historic architecture and engineering projects throughout our country.  

We discuss how becoming engrossed in the systems we commit to, whether they be fly fishing or  photography, create a balance in our lives, and Jarod shares stories and tips from some of his most memorable fly fishing adventures in our National Parks.

Learn More:

Instagram: @heritagedocumentationnps

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Bill Dell from Western Pennsylvania.  Bill grew up fishing the blue gill pond on his family’s farm in Pennsylvania as a boy, and continued to passionately fish through high school and college.  

It was his introduction to steelhead fishing in the Great Lakes that convinced him that his future was in fly fishing.  Bill takes an analytical mind to fly fishing.  Early on, he used his love of numbers to help him organize details about his time on the water, and develop systems for where and how to fish.  Bill also has a passion for photography and has been taking his camera with him in nature from the beginning.  

Today Bill continues his photography and interest in fly fishing tactics as a guide and contributor at Troutbitten. 

We discuss finding the small things that stand out in nature, how to methodically assess which river might be fishing best in Pennsylvania on any given day, and Bill’s thoughts on intentionality in the pace you take while wading a trout stream.

Learn More:

@billd328
Troutbitten.com

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with MacKenna Stang, from Denver, Colorado.  MacKenna grew up in Colorado hiking, camping, and fishing with her family.  

After multiple knee injuries cut her soccer career short, fly fishing became more and more important in her life, helping her move on from soccer and pour her passion into something new.  MacKenna credits her father for teaching her the basics of fly fishing, and for helping to create that passion that she maintains today.  

We discuss wade and raft fishing the Arkansas River and MacKenna’s special father - daughter relationship with fly fishing.

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere for part two of our conversation with Frank Landis, from Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  Frank grew up fishing with his father, and used fly fishing when he thought it was the best tactic to catch fish.  By college he had completely crossed over and was fly fishing every chance he got.

Frank is a middle school teacher and became a part time fly fishing guide at his local fly shop after working on the floor for several years.  

In Part 2 of our discussion, Frank discusses the night tactics and techniques he employs in Pennsylvania’s trout water.

Learn More:

Instagram: @frankflyfishes
TCO Fly Fishing.com

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere for part one of our conversation with Frank Landis, from Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  Frank grew up fishing with his father, and used fly fishing when he thought it was the best tactic to catch fish.  By college he had completely crossed over and was fly fishing every chance he got.

Frank is a middle school teacher and became a part time fly fishing guide at his local fly shop after working on the floor for several years.  

In Part 1 of our discussion, Frank shares his thoughts on Spring fishing in Pennsylvania, the mechanics of switching between his tight line nymphing rig and dry fly set up, and techniques for presentation on Pennsylvania’s trout streams.

Learn More:

Instagram: @frankflyfishes

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Patrick Kilby, from Western Washington.  Patrick’s love of fishing started in Eastern Washington, fishing bobbers with his grandfather.  A photo of a rising trout in a magazine inspired a passion for fly fishing that soon had Patrick tying flies and driving from stream to stream as a teenager.  

After an initial career path in law enforcement didn’t feel like the right fit, he knew that he wanted to try to make a living in the fishing industry.  Patrick began by building fly rods himself, then for an accomplished custom rod builder. 

He became a fly shop manager in Oregon, and finally landed as a fly designer at Rio Flies.  We discuss humility in fly fishing and the under appreciated elements of fly design.

Learn More:

Instagram: @buzz.bean.and.rod
Farbank.com/collections/rio-flies

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Brad Petzke from Saint Joseph, Michigan.  Brad learned to fish from his father, targeting warm water species in the lakes and rivers around him and catching steelhead off the pier.  

As part of a college ski program, Brad took an internship in Colorado, driving snowcats at night, skiing during the day, and fishing for trout every chance he got.  After three years, Brad moved back to Michigan where he continued to pursue a career in fishing.  

He is a guide and owner of Rivers North Guide Service that takes advantage of Michigan’s diverse fishery in the Upper Peninsula.  

We discuss fall steelhead tactics and techniques as well as some of the lessons learned that Brad has found heading south for the winter to fish in Florida.

Learn More:

@riversnorthup
RiversNorth.net

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Martin Gerdin, from Aspen Colorado.  Martin grew up fishing with a spinning rig and a passion for fish that bled over into an early introduction to the world of glass art. 

As Martin began to learn the craft of shaping glass, a fish was first on his list to create.  Martin credits his later discovery of fly fishing for helping him maintain sobriety and for bringing clarity to his art and life. 

Since he began fly fishing Martin has also become passionate about the native species of North America and has spent much of his free time learning their history and seeking them out with a fly rod. 

We discuss how to find and fish to bull trout, the habitat challenges bull trout face,  and the process of creating fish from glass.

Learn More:
Instagram: @martin_gerdin_glass
MartinGerdinGlass.com

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Chris Gallagher from upstate New York.  Chris started fly fishing during high school in Virginia, but it was after he joined the army and was stationed in upstate New York’s Fort Drum, that Chris found a connection that would carry him through his military career and beyond. 

His love for fishing the Adirondacks and Catskills helped him decide to make New York his home after twenty years of service, during which he was a hard core dry or die fly fisherman. Eventually, Chris came around to nymph fishing to help get more out of his time on the water, and even earned a spot on the USA Fly Fishing competition team. 

We discuss how to find and adjust to different sections of the river, casting and hooksets while euro nymphing, and the famous Catskills fishery.  Chris also shares some stories about catching fish while deployed overseas in Iraq.

Learn More:
Instagram: @catskillflyfishing
Trouttownflies.com

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In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part Two of our conversation with Colby Crossland, from Dutch John, Utah.  Colby grew up fishing with his grandfather in Utah’s Uintah Basin.  After being gifted a fly rod and vise, Colby took his love of fishing on the road, exploring the small streams in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho through high school and college, where he studied photography. 

A combination of having no photo shoots and an invitation to stay with a friend, led Colby to Dutch John, Utah where he learned to row a drift boat, run shuttles, and fly fished for two summers before being offered a job guiding at Spinner Fall Guide Service, where he has been guiding now for over fourteen years. 

In Part Two of our conversation Colby shares even more tactic and techniques for dry fly fishing success on the Green River.

Learn More:
SpinnerFall.com
Instagram: @colbycrossland
Cicada Madness by Dave Zielinski

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In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part One of our conversation with Colby Crossland, from Dutch John, Utah.  Colby grew up fishing with his grandfather in Utah’s Uintah Basin.  After being gifted a fly rod and vise, Colby took his love of fishing on the road, exploring the small streams in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho through high school and college, where he studied photography. 

A combination of having no photo shoots and an invitation to stay with a friend, led Colby to Dutch John, Utah where he learned to row a drift boat, run shuttles, and fly fished for two summers before being offered a job guiding at Spinner Fall Guide Service, where he has been guiding now for over fourteen years. 

We discuss techniques for success and ways to progress on the oars of a drift boat, and dry fly tactics on the Green River.

Learn More:
SpinnerFall.com
Instagram: @colbycrossland
Cicada Madness by Dave Zielinski

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In this episode we Wade Back into some of 2024s most memorable conversations.  These impactful dialogues are a combination of tactics, stories, conservation, and personal journeys that represent the best of what fly fishing can give us and what we can give back.

If you’ve been a long time listener of the show, my intent is that these highlights remind you of why you listen and what WadeOutThere tries to unpack by sharing each guest's story of why fly fishing is special… for them.

If you’re new to the podcast, this is what it’s all about. Everyone’s story is different.  Everyone’s passion for the sport takes its own meandering path downstream.  This show explores those unique passions. I hope this episode inspires you to go back and listen to some earlier episodes that spark your interest.

I believe fly fishing is special, but not elite.  May this episode remind us of our own special journey in fly fishing and keep us excited to hear from others.

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Willy Dietrich, from Stowe, Vermont.  Willy started fishing in the Boy Scouts and started fly fishing on a blue gill pond with his friends. 

It took him two years of self education, failure, and casting in the snow out back to catch his first trout on the fly rod, but once he learned the importance of presentation, he was off to the races.  Willy is a fly fishing guide that focuses not only on trout but many of Vermont’s other amazing fisheries. 

We discuss brook stream tactics and Vermont's diverse fishing opportunities.

Learn More:
Catamountfishing.com

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In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part Two of our conversation with Dave Hurley, from Detroit Michigan.  As a child Dave fished the local golf courses and waterways in San Diego, where he was born and raised, often getting chased away from his favorites spots.  

He was introduced to fly fishing on a trip to Utah, and on the banks of the Green River he found himself both humbled and determined.  His commitment to fly fishing was cemented when he finally caught his first fish with a fly rod, on a small mountain stream.  He channeled his new love of fly fishing into dissecting the waters and fish of San Diego’s beaches, until an opportunity arose for him and his wife to move to Detroit. 

Michigan became a new home for his love of music and fly fishing.  Soon he was exploring, and eventually guiding the fresh water oceans in the area from his  own flats skiff.  In Part Two of our discussion, Dave shares sight fishing tactics on the fresh water flats in Michigan.

Learn More:
Instagram: @davehurl

SkinnyWaterSafari.com

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In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part One of our conversation with Dave Hurley, from Detroit Michigan.  As a child Dave fished the local golf courses and waterways in San Diego, where he was born and raised, often getting chased away from his favorites spots.  

He was introduced to fly fishing on a trip to Utah, and on the banks of the Green River he found himself both humbled and determined.  His commitment to fly fishing was cemented when he finally caught his first fish with a fly rod, on a small mountain stream.  He channeled his new love of fly fishing into dissecting the waters and fish of San Diego’s beaches, until an opportunity arose for him and his wife to move to Detroit. 

Michigan became a new home for his love of music and fly fishing.  Soon he was exploring, and eventually guiding the fresh water oceans in the area from his own flats skiff. 

In Part One of our discussion, Dave shares tactics for surf fishing in San Diego and talks about how the move to Detroit had set him up for discovering his niche in the fly fishing world.

Learn More:
Instagram: @davehurl

SkinnyWaterSafari.com

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Levi Lambert, from Sedalia, Colorado.  Levi grew up in western Montana fishing the creeks and ponds around his grandparents’ farm.  In high school and college Levi worked on a ranch in the Bitterroot Valley that hosted anglers, which is where he began an obsession with the challenge of fly fishing.

Now, Levi lives in Colorado, guides on the South Platte River, and continues to pursue his passions in the outdoors. 

We discuss prospecting for trout with dry flies on the South Platte River during the summer and winter months, and accuracy in casting and mending line with dry flies.

Learn More:
Instagram: @levilambertflyfishing
MinTurn Anglers.com

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Steve Schmidt, from Salt Lake City, UT.  Steve moved to Utah to pursue his love of skiing while attending college.  He quickly became a die hard fly fisherman, spending almost every free day on the Provo River, skiing in the evenings, and spending his summers on some of the west’s most storied fisheries. 

Steve’s hunger to progress and learn fostered relationships with fly fishing mentors that not only helped him as a fisherman, but also opened the doors to a life and career in fly fishing.  Steve opened his fly shop, Western Rivers Fly Fisher, in 1986 and although he’s recently retired, you can still find him in the shop helping others progress on their own fly fishing journeys. 

We discuss dry fly tactics and why doing the hard work matters in all aspects of fly fishing.

Learn More:
Western Rivers Flyfisher.com
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | What Makes a Good Day's Fishing
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Embrace the Drive
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Fish One River
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Leveraging Angles in Fly Fishing

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Mary Ann Dozer from Sisters, Oregon. Mary Ann started fly fishing in 1995 when she joined her husband after one of his fly fishing trips in Yellowstone National Park.  She fell in love with fly fishing and was soon spending most of her weekends on the river.  

Mary Ann also has a degree in organizational change and was working as  an engineer in the technology industry when she decided it was time for a change herself.  She began an early retirement and continued to pursue her passion for fly fishing.  After a trip to Idaho volunteering with Casting for Recovery, Mary Ann soon found herself living and guiding summers in Salmon Idaho and later on the Lower Deschutes River.  

Mary Ann has her Masters Casting Certification from Fly Fishers International, is the Technology Lead for the FFI Casting Board of Governors, and has helped pioneer virtual and video based fly casting instruction. 

We discuss the Lower Deschutes River, habit patterns, and why less is more in fly casting.

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In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part Two of our conversation with Dec Hogan, from Midway, Utah.  Dec grew up with an obsession for fishing that drove him to find water wherever he went.  He was introduced to fly fishing and steelhead fishing while he lived in California, but it wasn’t until he joined the Navy and found himself stationed at Whidbey Island, in Washington State, that Dec finally immersed himself into what would become his passion and profession for decades to come… fly fishing for steelhead.  

Dec is an accomplished author and spey casting instructor with decades of experience fishing and guiding for steelhead.  His books and tactics have influenced countless anglers in search of steelhead on the fly.

In Part Two of our conversation we discuss tactics for swinging flies for steelhead on the surface, how fly fishing and tying can become art, and how fly fishermen and women can become artists in their craft.

Learn More:
Instagram: @dechogan

Books by Dec Hogan:
A Passion for Steelhead
Tying Steelhead Flies with Style
Steelhead Fly Tying. Art and Design.
Steelhead River Journal: Skagit-Sauk

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part One of our conversation with Dec Hogan, from Midway, Utah.  Dec grew up with an obsession for fishing that drove him to find water wherever he went.  

He was introduced to fly fishing and steelhead fishing while he lived in California, but it wasn’t until he joined the Navy and found himself stationed at Whidbey Island, in Washington State, that Dec finally immersed himself into what would become his passion and profession for decades to come… fly fishing for steelhead.  

Dec is an accomplished author and spey casting instructor with decades of experience fishing and guiding for steelhead.  His books and tactics have influenced countless anglers in search of steelhead on the fly.

In Part One of our conversation we discuss Dec’s methodical approach to steelhead fishing, differences and similarities in reading water and presenting flies during summer and winter, and the importance of a “vulnerable” swing.

Learn More:
Instagram: @dechogan

Books by Dec Hogan:
A Passion for Steelhead
Tying Steelhead Flies with Style
Steelhead Fly Tying. Art and Design.
Steelhead River Journal: Skagit-Sauk

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Pablo Signori, from Chicago, Illinois.  Pablo found fly fishing on a friends bachelor party to the outdoors and immediately became obsessed with learning more about the sport, while fishing the lakes in the cities he lived in.  

During the COVID pandemic, Pablo moved back to Los Angeles, continuing to fly fish, and eventually decided to combine his skillset in music production with his passion for fly fishing by creating a fly fishing podcast.  

Pablo’s podcast, The Newb and the Knower, is a methodical and educational approach to learning the various aspects of fly fishing, during which Pablo has conversations with fly fisherman, author, and competitor Lance Egan.  

Pablo is also a fly fishing film maker who recently started the North American Fly Fishing Outfitter, Criollo Camp Outfitters.  Pablos’s outfitter emphasizes local culture and sustainability, and includes trips to Mexico and Argentina, among other destinations.

We discuss ideas about how to approach learning and studying fly fishing, the importance of knowing your “why’s on the water” and techniques and stories around urban fly fishing.

Learn More:

Podcast Spotify: The Newb and the Knower
Podcast Apple Podcasts: The Newb and the Knower
Criollo Camp Outfitters.com

Instagram:
@the_newb_and_the_knower
@creollocamp

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Jan Axtell, from Livingston Montana.  Jan grew up in Wisconsin, and started fly fishing with a friend at sixteen years old.  His first experience on the river was on a spring creek in the Driftless Region, which he continued to fish through high school and college. 

After school, Jan moved to Vermont and started guiding.  He fished spring creeks in Vermont and Pennsylvania until a job opportunity took him to Livingston, Montana.  By then, Jan’s love for spotting and stalking trout in spring creeks was deeply rooted, and even though Jan also guides on the Yellowstone River, and in Yellowstone National Park,  his passion remains the challenging spring creeks in the Yellowstone Valley.  Jan is also a commercial fly tier. 

We discuss finding success in casting through angles, spring creek observation and sight fishing tactics, how to tie flies fast, and fishing through the learning curve.

Learn More:
Nelson's Guides and Flies.com
Hatchfinders Fly Shop
Instagram: @jandaxtell
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Slow is Smooth.  Smooth is Fast.
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Eight Reasons the Zebra Midge is the Perfect First Fly to Tie
READ: WADEOUTTHERE | River to Fly Strategy (R2FS) - A Fly Tying Process for the Beginner's Success

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In this episode we WadeOutThere with Heidi Lewis from Salt Lake City, Utah.  Heidi started fly fishing when her two daughters were little as a way to get out of the house and spend time in nature. 

After taking a women’s fly fishing class at her local fly shop, she immediately fell in love and became a dedicated student of the sport, spending most of her free time on the river and in the fly shop. 

We discuss wade fishing, the Green River, techniques for swinging wet flies, and Utah’s cutthroat slam.  Heidi also shares her experience finding time to go fishing alone and with family.

Learn More:
Instagram: @heidiaqua
Email: heidiaqua@gmail.com
UtahCutthroatSlam.org

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In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part Two of our conversation with Jake Villwock, from Carlisle, PA.  Jake grew up in Maryland, on an island in the Chesapeake Bay surrounded by fishing.  His father was a commercial fisherman and professional bass fisherman. 

In college, Jake learned early on that he wanted a career in the outdoors and fishing.  After working a summer job at a sport and fly fishing lodge in Alaska, he moved to Pennsylvania to pursue his passion for fishing as a guide.  Jake soon fell in love with the solitude and exploration of the state’s many smallmouth bass fisheries. 

He has now been guiding smallmouth in Pennsylvania for over twelve years, is the author of the book “Smallmouth Bass Flies - Top to Bottom”, and owns and operates his own outfitter Relentless Fly Fishing. 

In Part Two of our discussion, Jake explains his problem solving process for designing smallmouth bass flies and tips and techniques for how to present them in Pennsylvania’s miles of smallmouth water. Jake also talks about fishing frog flies for trout.

Learn More:
RelentlessFlyFishing.com
YouTube: Relentless TV
Instagram: @relentlessflyfishing

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday

In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part One of our conversation with Jake Villwock, from Carlisle, PA.  Jake grew up in Maryland, on an island in the Chesapeake Bay surrounded by fishing.  His father was a commercial fisherman and professional bass fisherman. 

In college, Jake learned early on that he wanted a career in the outdoors and fishing.  After working a summer job at a sport and fly fishing lodge in Alaska, he moved to Pennsylvania to pursue his passion for fishing as a guide. 

Jake soon fell in love with the solitude and exploration of the state’s many smallmouth bass fisheries.  He has now been guiding smallmouth in Pennsylvania for over twelve years and is the author of the book “Smallmouth Bass Flies - Top to Bottom.” 

In Part One of our discussion, Jake shares tactics and techniques for observing and presenting to smallmouth bass in Pennsylvania.

Learn More:
RelentlessFlyFishing.com
YouTube: Relentless TV
Instagram: @relentlessflyfishing

Sign up for Jason's free email newsletter (WadeOutThere Wednesday) at WadeOutThere.com/Wednesday