Fly fishing artist and writer Jason Shemchuk talks with other fly fishers about their unique journey into fly fishing, the rivers they fish, and the tactics and philosophies they practice. For those who can never leave the river in their hearts, this podcast is dedicated to providing tools and ideas that help make a great fly fisher and better prepare us to make memories on the water that keep us coming back to Wadeoutthere.
WOT 258: Small Freestone Tactics and High Country Lakes in Telluride Colorado with John Duncan
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 257: Good Drifts, Near Fish on the Missouri River with Mark Raisler
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. Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 256: The Year of the Nomad Angler with Dax Messet
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 255: Streamer Tactics in Yellowstone National Park with Noah Dahlke
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 254: Streamer Tactics on the Madison River with Andrew Kangas
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. Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 253: Mountain Lakes and Freestone Streamer Fishing in Southwest Colorado with Jeremy Nolan
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT: 252 DIY Fishing Strategies for New Waters and Minnesota Smallmouth Tactics with Tyler Mills
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT: 251 Provo River Tactics with Tim Nation
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT: 250 Efficiency and Red Fish Tactics in South Carolina with Caleb Andrews
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 249: Smallmouth, Hard Work, and Perspective on the Kalamazoo River, with Jon Lee
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 248: Lake Tactics and Pack Strategies with Mickey Anderson
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 247: Rediscovering an Artist's Passion and the Poudre River with Piper Nunn
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 246: Creating Dry Fly Movement Through Tying and Presentation in Pennsylvania with Eric Naguski
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 245: Soft Hackle Tactics, the Provo River, and Fly Fishing Instruction with Nick Teynor
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 244: Alex Emery - Part 2. Dry Fly Hatches on the Yellowstone River
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 243: Alex Emery - Part 1. Tactics for Tackling Spring Run Off on Freestones
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 242: Lake Fishing and Small Stream Techniques in New York with Loren Williams
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 241: Smallmouth Tactics on the Huron River and Building a Team with Mike Schultz
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 240: Winter Fishing the Arkansas River with Dallas Eastman
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
WOT 239: Fly Fishing and Photographing Our National Parks with Jarob Ortiz
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 Visit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason Shemchuk Newsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
