Episodes

  • 907 | The Story Behind Fishpond and Modern Fly Fishing Gear with Johnny Le Coq

    907 | The Story Behind Fishpond and Modern Fly Fishing Gear with Johnny Le Coq
    Apr 6 2026

    #907 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/907

    Presented by: TroutRoutes, Jackson Hole Fly Company

    Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/

    What does it take to completely rethink how we carry gear on the water? In this episode, we dig into fly fishing innovation through the story of Fishpond and the mind behind it, Johnny Le Coq. From cassette tape cases to chest packs and carbon fiber nets, this one connects design, function, and purpose in a big way.

    We get into the early days of Fishpond, how disruption shaped the brand, and why conservation became just as important as the gear itself. Jonny also shares what he's focused on now, including a powerful citizen science movement that's giving anglers a new way to protect the waters they love.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/907

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 906 | Scott Fly Rod Founder Larry Kenny on Design and Innovation

    906 | Scott Fly Rod Founder Larry Kenny on Design and Innovation
    Apr 3 2026

    #906 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/906

    Presented By: FishHound Expeditions, Visit Idaho, Stonefly Nets, Drifthook Fly Fishing.

    Fly fishing has always evolved, but some moments change everything.

    From bamboo to fiberglass to graphite, each shift has redefined how anglers experience the water. In this episode, Larry Kenney shares what it was like to be at the center of one of the most important transitions in fly fishing history—the move to graphite fly rods.

    Larry, co-founder of Scott Fly Rods, takes us through the early days of rod building, the rise of graphite innovation, and the lessons he's learned from decades in the industry. Along the way, he shares practical advice that challenges how anglers think about gear, casting, and improvement.
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    46 mins
  • 904 | Upper Missouri Watershed Conservation with Josh Seckinger and David Stagliano from UMOWA

    904 | Upper Missouri Watershed Conservation with Josh Seckinger and David Stagliano from UMOWA
    Apr 1 2026

    #904 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/904

    Presented by: On DeMark Lodge

    We dig into what's happening on the Upper Missouri right now, from macroinvertebrate data to water management challenges. This episode with Josh Seckinger and David Stagliano from Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance (UMOWA) connects the dots between science, fishing, and long-term river health.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/904

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    51 mins
  • 903 | Fishing the Trico Hatch and the Missouri River Dry Fly School with Craig & Warren DeMark

    903 | Fishing the Trico Hatch and the Missouri River Dry Fly School with Craig & Warren DeMark
    Mar 30 2026

    903 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/903

    Presented by: On DeMark Lodge

    In this episode, Craig and Warren break down what really matters when you're fishing the Missouri during peak dry fly season. We get into fishing the Trico hatch, how timing and rhythm often beat perfect fly choice, and what anglers miss when targeting rising fish.

    You'll also hear about the Missouri River Dry Fly School at On DeMark Lodge. Find out what you can expect on the water, and how to apply the techniques you'll learn there anywhere you fish.

    903 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/903
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    1 hr
  • 902 | Winter Steelhead Fishing Tips: Dax Messett on Swinging Flies, Tides, and Reading Water

    902 | Winter Steelhead Fishing Tips: Dax Messett on Swinging Flies, Tides, and Reading Water
    Mar 27 2026

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/902

    Presented By: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Mountain Waters Resort.


    Steelhead fishing rewards patience, repetition, and time on the water. In this episode, Dax Messett shares practical winter steelhead fishing tips on reading water, fishing near tidewater, choosing the right setup, and making better swings on coastal rivers.

    We also get into the lower Rogue, the Klamath, leader strength, tide influence, and how to land fish cleanly without a net.
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • 901 | Montana Spring Creek Fly Fishing with Chase Glowacki from Montana Fly Fishing Lodge

    901 | Montana Spring Creek Fly Fishing with Chase Glowacki from Montana Fly Fishing Lodge
    Mar 26 2026

    #901 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/901b

    Presented by: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge

    In this episode, Chase walks through Montana spring creek fly fishing — from the Yellowstone and Stillwater to spring creeks and the Shoshone. We dig into double-nymph rigs, streamer strategies, dry-dropper setups, and how fall fishing in Montana changes the whole game. If you're planning a Montana trip or just want to fish smarter on big western rivers, this one is packed with ideas.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/901b

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    57 mins
  • 901 | Jim McLennan on Bow River Fly Fishing Then and Now

    901 | Jim McLennan on Bow River Fly Fishing Then and Now
    Mar 25 2026

    901 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/901

    Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Pescador on the Fly, Togiak River Lodge, Toyota Prairies

    In this episode, I sit down with Jim McLennan to explore Bow River fly fishing across generations. We talk about the shift from classic dry fly fishing to streamer fishing, increased boat traffic, and the challenges of managing a well-known tailwater fishery in Alberta.

    We also get into key hatches like golden stones, how dam operations impact river conditions, and how fly fishing techniques have evolved on the Bow River. Jim shares stories about legends like Lefty Kreh and Gary LaFontaine, along with insights from his books, including Blue Ribbon Bow.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • The Science of Hatches: What the Salmonfly Project Is Teaching Anglers with James Frakes and Jackson Birrell

    The Science of Hatches: What the Salmonfly Project Is Teaching Anglers with James Frakes and Jackson Birrell
    Mar 23 2026
    Watch the full video: https://wetflyswing.com/salmonflyproject Take the Angler Survey: https://salmonflyproject.org/survey/ Support the Salmonfly Project: https://salmonflyproject.org/donate/ In this episode, we dig deep into one of the most important but often misunderstood parts of fly fishing: entomology, or the study of aquatic insects, and how it directly connects to success on the water. James Frakes and Jackson Birrell from the Salmonfly Project break this topic down in a way that makes it approachable, practical, and actually useful for anglers at any level. Instead of overwhelming you with scientific jargon or Latin names, they focus on what matters most: understanding bugs well enough to make better decisions when fish are feeding. Right from the start, the conversation shifts the way you think about "matching the hatch." It's not just about picking the right fly—it's about understanding timing, behavior, and movement. When you start thinking not only like a fish, but also like the bug, everything begins to click. Why Bugs Matter More Than You Think One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that bugs are not just "fish food" they are the foundation of the entire river ecosystem. Aquatic insects: Feed trout and drive feeding behavior Support birds and other wildlife Help clean and maintain healthy rivers Act as early warning signs for water quality In fact, over 70% of freshwater species are insects, which puts into perspective just how important they are. The guys emphasize that it's not just about having a lot of bugs it's about diversity. Different species hatch at different times, creating consistent feeding opportunities for trout throughout the year. Without that diversity, fishing becomes less predictable and often less productive. The Big 3: Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies To simplify things, they focus on the three major insect groups every angler should understand: 1. Mayflies These are the classic "dry fly" bugs most anglers think of. They have a unique lifecycle that includes multiple fishable stages: Nymph Emerger Dun (adult) Spinner (final stage) Because mayflies take a long time to emerge and sit in the surface film, trout feed on them gently those classic sipping rises. A key insight: Mayflies are often most vulnerable during emergence, making emerger and cripple patterns incredibly effective. 2. Stoneflies Stoneflies behave very differently. Instead of emerging mid-river, they: Crawl to the banks Hatch out of the water Return to lay eggs by skittering or "splatting" on the surface This creates a completely different feeding response from trout: More aggressive, splashy eats One of the most surprising takeaways: During big hatches like salmonflies, fish may already be completely full from eating nymphs That's why sometimes fish ignore giant dry flies even when bugs are everywhere 3. Caddisflies Caddis are fast, active, and incredibly abundant. Their lifecycle includes: Larva Pupa (fast-rising stage) Adult (moth-like) Unlike mayflies, caddis emerge quickly and don't sit long on the surface. This leads to: Faster, more aggressive trout feeding (the classic "caddis rise") A big takeaway here: Fishing wet flies or pupae is often more effective than dry flies during caddis activity Understanding Behavior Over Identification One of the most important themes in this episode is that you don't need to memorize every bug species. Instead, focus on: What type of bug it is (mayfly, stonefly, caddis) Where it lives (bottom, rocks, banks) How it moves (slow drift vs fast swim vs skitter) When it emerges If you understand those basics, you can: Anticipate feeding behavior instead of reacting to it Hatch Timing and Strategy The episode also dives into how hatches actually happen and how to fish them. Key concepts: Hatches are driven by water temperature and seasonal timing Spinner falls are driven by air temperature Bugs emerge in predictable windows (morning, midday, evening) Some practical strategies: Fish nymphs before the hatch begins Switch to emergers right before activity Match surface patterns only when fish are clearly feeding up top They also highlight how: Cloudy, humid weather often improves mayfly fishing Sunny afternoons can be better for stoneflies Evening and even nighttime can be prime for caddis Real Science Meets Real Fishing What makes this episode stand out is how the Salmonfly Project connects science directly to angling. Their work includes: Studying insect populations Tracking environmental changes Running angler-driven data collection They explain how insects act as "canaries in the coal mine"s howing early signs of river health changes before fish populations decline. This ties into a bigger message: Understanding bugs makes you not just a better angler—but a better steward of the river The Wild Side of Bugs This episode also mixes in some unforgettable (and slightly crazy) insights: Caddis larvae build underwater nets and ...
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    1 hr and 33 mins