Casting Across Fly Fishing

Understanding the spawning season is important for the fly fisher. Not only is it wise to comprehend the width and breadth of the seasonal and life cycles of trout, but being a good steward of the resource is unmistakably tied to respecting natural reproduction. Today is a quick run through some of the basics of the spawning seasons of trout here in the US. I cover when they are, what to look for, and how you can still fish during the spawn (if legal... and if you do so ethically). With so many imperiled and recovering rivers out there, all fly fishers should be well acquainted with the spawning behaviors of trout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time. Money. Frustration. And the things on the table in front of you look more like debris from the lint trap than anything that a fish might eat. I've been there. Early in my fly fishing, I had some missteps and fruitless moments. Somewhere along the line I got into a groove. And while I'm no expert or display-tier tier (yes: not tyer), I am much happier now. And this breeds confidence and  competence. Today I'm sharing the four things I'd do if I had to start fly tying from scratch today. If you're getting into it, perhaps this will give you a potential roadmap. If you are an accomplished tier, this might provide some food for thought as you encourage others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patience is a virtue. And while we should strive to be virtuous for many more important reasons, it pays off when trying to catch trout, too. Today I work through three ways in which fishing smarter will almost always trump fishing harder. And, to be fair, there is nothing wrong with fishing intensely while fishing intelligently. But there is a priority. And at the end of the day, there is something to be said for figuring out the problem presented in any particular fly fishing situation before you start casting. Patience is the key to see a little more and do a little more before you toss out your fly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flannels, pumpkin spice, and... slowly swung streamers? Just like the changing colors of the leaves, there are some inevitable alterations we make every fall in our fly fishing. Dropping temperatures and shorter days cause cold-blooded creatures to act differently. If we want to see them in our nets, we need to respond accordingly. Today I share three changes I make in my fly fishing as the season transitions from late summer to early fall. I touch on presentation, approach, and equipment modifications that have been helpful and productive over the years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might not fancy yourself a teacher. But if you're going to be a "fly fishing guy" there is a good chance you're going to need to pass along some essential knowledge to a friend, coworker, or brother-in-law. And casting is about as capital-E essential as there is in fly fishing. Today I walk you through what I focus on in my first 45 minutes of any fly casting lesson. The basics are basic, but we all to often fly past them in order to get on the water or into a hula hoop. Hopefully my process will be helpful to you as you prepare to help someone else get out on the water with a fly rod in hand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So you want to buy and fish with an old fly rod. Not a collector's item or a rare antique: just a regular, old old fly rod. Great. I'm a fan. And this week, I've been writing and talking about that very thing. After putting together an article and video about fly fishing with old rods on small streams, I figured I'd keep a good thing going and explain a few things about the enterprise. In particular, in this episode I discuss finding a fishable rod and pairing it with the right modern fly line. There is much more to it, of course... but that will get you out on the water at least. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"But why?" This can be a very obnoxious question. Or, it could be a very revealing question. Do you know why we do what we do when we fly fish? One of this week's questions was posed to me by a student in a casting class that I am teaching. Innocently, he asked why we  reel with our non-dominant hand. So I explained it to him. And I'll explain it to you... along with two other viewer, listener, and reader pieces of feedback. This includes one that could be considered an accusation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So you're getting skunked.  All that expensive gear, all that planning, and all that podcast information you consumed... and for what! You're failing fly fishing. Not so fast. Sure, catching up on yardwork or taking a nap is all fine and good. But it isn't over until it is over. Today I share three ways to approach what you're doing to see if you can pull the nose up before a crash landing. There are some days that just don't go your way (I recently had such a day). But with a little patience and conscientiousness, we'll try to get you closer to a fish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I don't fly fish to compete." That may be. But tell me, if you will, aren't you trying to outwit and then physically overtake the fish? Even though you may not be into tournament angling (and I am not), we all have goals and challenges that we impose upon ourselves when we fish. In today's episode, I use a familiar angling motif to talk through some of the ways you can push yourself in your normal fishing or to augment your time on the water. And I promise: you don't need a fancy, sparkly boat  to appreciate what I have to say. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first half of the show this week is a little different. I share some unfortunate news about the podcast on one of its major platforms. This does present an opportunity for me to explain why the podcast operates the way it does, and it serves as a good reminder for why certain content gets pushed (while others get pushed aside). Also, I talk about the kind of media that thrives on controversy. Spoiler: I say it is not good. I do end up getting to terrestrials. Ants, hoppers, and their friends are some of the best patterns for anyone to fish in the summer. Not only do they present a great chance to build confidence on the water, but they also build confidence behind the vise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know these simple facts: Fish eat bugs. Most of the bugs fish eat are underwater bugs. Still, we struggle with getting imitations of said bugs in front of these fish. This is a recurring challenge when prospecting for trout and dialing in presenting the fly. Thankfully, we have equipment that can help us overcome this small (but real) obstacle. Today I talk about four things you can do to get your fly deeper. I share the pros and cons of each. And, in a remarkable move from most "how to"  content, one of these things isn't going to cost you a dime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is important to remember that when you start fly fishing, you don't have to bury your spinning or baitcasting rod six feet under. While the rods are emblematic of relatively diverging angling cultures, they are  simply tools. You can use both. But if you've been throwing lures for any length of time, there are some adjustments you'll need to make when picking up a fly rod. Today I briefly cover six things that are different enough between fly and conventional fishing  that they warrant an explanation. These are real world examples that come from years of teaching and my own personal observations. Lastly, it is important to remember that fly fishing isn't as complicated as some make it out to be. It is, after all, just fishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I do talk about fly fishing gear a lot on Casting Across. But there is something that will trump equipment nine out of ten times: skill. Within reason, your proficiency with equipment will overcome not having that rod, fly, or gadget that is designed specifically for a particular task. This is a good thing. Because with little expense and without filling up another closet, you can keep doing more on the water. But there are also times when you are on the water and you don't have that one thing that would make fishing a little easier. There are still things you can do. Today, I talk about three of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let me start off by saying that fly fishing downstream is not my method of choice. It is harder. It is a lower probability approach. It is less than ideal. But sometimes it is necessary. Today I talk through three situations that might demand a downstream presentation. Even though all those caveats are probably still in play, fishing from an upstream position might be the only play at a particular fish. And all that said, there are better ways to do it if you must. *Note* My dislike of fly fishing downstream is pragmatic, not wrapped up in ethics or tradition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How small is too small? Well, there is certainly a line. But small almost always gets bigger. When scouting for trout, that last sentiment is helpful to remember. Just because a blue line on your map doesn't immediately yield fish, it isn't automatic that you should abandon all hope. You might just need to go a little higher up. Or, to rule out a host of other potentially complicating factors it might be best to start at the top and work your way down. I talk through this approach to tiny blue lines and more on this week's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

XL as in 40. But, seeing as I nearly doubled the listener feedback I addressed in this episode, I suppose XL works on a couple of levels. One of my favorite kinds of episode to record are these regular opportunities to respond to readers, listeners, and viewers of content on Casting Across. I feel privileged that you take the time to consume what I produce, and even more so when you reach out. Today's topics include: Stream temperatures Fly rod prices Wader repair Angling authors & podcast audio! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast usually doesn't feature interviews,  when it does it goes big. Today I have  5 guests in the studio. And I'm confident that they spend more time in the woods than most fishing, hiking, and hunting celebrities. Who are these remarkable figures? You'll have to tune in and find out. And when you do, you'll also be listening to the 400th episode of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast. Thank you: whether it is your first time listening or if you've been with me since the beginning. It has been a pleasure to share the quarry and culture of fly fishing with you for all these years through this medium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most ridiculous assumptions that you can make in fly fishing is that everyone is going to be just as considerate and respectful as you. First, there is a good chance that your angling foibles are simply in your blind spot. Equally important, all people make mistakes out of one kind of ignorance or another. Today I talk about three areas of fly fishing etiquette. There is a chance that this will be new information to some listeners. But (and more importantly) I also talk about how we can communicate, be courteous, and do a lot to diffuse potential conflicts on the water. And at the end of the day, this potentially puts the impetus on the person being "wronged." After all, etiquette is just that - it isn't the law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Under, over, around, and (if you're feeling lucky) through. Trout absolutely love cover. Downed trees, overhanging vegetation, and undercut banks are just three examples of places fish like to safely fin and eat. But how does one get a fly into these locations? Sometimes the path forward presents itself. Other times, you have to get kind of creative. Today I talk about some ideas for problem solving these tricky, fishy spots. I also share some helpful gear recommendations for approaching fish that are hiding under cover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a significant segment of anglers who only fish (and rightfully enjoy) the stereotypical trout river or bass pond. These waters are easily accessible and usually full of fish; there is no reason to turn up your nose at them at all. But if that is all you know, you're missing out on some tremendous fly fishing. It just requires wrapping your mind around the fact that trout live in tiny pockets of water in the mountains. Today I'm walking through how I approach fly fishing on a mountain trout stream. If you've been doing this for years, it is probably second nature. But if you're the kind of angler I alluded to above? It might provided some helpful ideas as you add some range to your time outdoors with rod in hand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices