The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast

This episode was originally published on October 15th, 2023.
Hal Herring [50:31] has been reporting on conservation issues in the American West for over 30 years for Field & Stream magazine as well as other publications.  In this week's podcast, he explores the many complexities of trying to keep enough water in our rivers for both agriculture and trout populations, which has become an increasingly difficult juggling act.  Hal also gently berates today's hunters and anglers about educating themselves on the science and the politics behind these issues.  It's not enough to just complain about the lack of water—it's important to understand the issue before you can have a credible  opinion.
 
In the Fly Box this week, we have some great tips and questions, including:
Do bamboo and fiberglass rods load differently than graphite rods?
When you have a very limited time on a river, do you have a fishing method that gives you the most bang for your buck?
Is there an alternative to the "chuck and duck" method for fishing for salmon and steelhead on Michigan rivers?
If you are buying older fly tying material, what should you look for to make sure it has not been degraded?
How would you adjust your fly selection for smallmouth bass throughout the season?
Is rising or falling water better on a fluctuating tailwater?
Can I use my 10-foot, 8-weight rod in the surf?  
If my Mop flies have fallen apart, can I easily add a new piece of mop material to the hook and bead?  I am not a fly tier.
Are two three-turn whip finishes better than a single 6-turn whip finish?  
A tip that textured lines in a long day of stripping flies can cut into your fingers
Is the San Juan Shuffle ethical?
Is a fast action 5-weight rod actually a 6-weight?
I have been lipping bass for many years.  Why do you say it's bad for the fish?

Chris Burkard [32:00], renowned action photographer, joins us to share his journey and insights into the world of fly fishing and extreme sports. His unique perspective on connecting with nature through photography and fishing offers a refreshing take on outdoor adventure.  And along the way he offers some great tips on bikepacking with a fly rod.
 
In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and more:
I keep spooking the bigger trout in a small southern brook trout stream.  What can I do to avoid spooking them?

Is an 8-weight Encounter rod enough to handle Pacific salmon in Michigan?  And how heavy a tippet should I use?

I lost my biggest trout the other day after a long battle.  What advice do you have for landing bigger fish?

How can I get the eyes on my big predator flies from coming off after a few casts?

What do you carry in your "eventuality kit" when taking trips?

I saw sea trout jumping outside my office in Stockholm, but I couldn't catch them.  What do you think they were doing?

My buddies and I caught a bunch of fish on an experimental soft hackle that looked like nothing in nature.  I thought you were always supposed to match the hatch.

In this episode, fisheries biologist Shawn Good [24:00] shares insights into the diverse and rewarding world of fish biology, including how fish populations are sampled, the impact of environmental factors, and the importance of habitat conservation. In this episode, Shawn discusses stream habitat connectivity, culvert design, fish migration, and the success of Lake Champlain's lake trout restoration program. He emphasizes the importance of habitat management and collaboration among agencies to protect aquatic ecosystems.
 
In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions, tips, and suggestions, including:
Why you should always stop into local fly shops when traveling

Can I overline my rod by more than two line sizes?

A tip from a listener on how to get custom colors on tying materials

My fly rod section twists out of alignment constantly.  How do I fix this?

I have been catching shiners on my fly rod, but what flies should I use for catching some medium-sized bass?

How do you know when to tie on a new piece of tippet?

Do half size tippets make a difference?

Roadless Areas are some of the most important coldwater refuges for trout and salmon, and also prime spawning areas. Yet they are under threat because the Forst Service has proposed to eliminate them. Learn how you can quickly and easily voice your opinion and it WILL matter. And you need to do it in the next couple weeks. Chris Wood [43:52] is always a great guest and you'll learn more than just about this issue. For instance, you'll learn the difference between a Roadless Area and Wilderness Area and what you can and can't do on each type of public land.
In the Fly Box this week, we have some questions and controversies, including: 
Why do I get knots along my whole leader and how can I eliminate them?
I found a bunch of big brook trout at the mouth of a cold tributary and caught one of them. Was this ethical?
I want to restrict myself to Adams, Pheasant Tails, and Woolly Buggers for a season. What do you think of this idea?
A listener actually enjoys foul-hooking trout because they fight better. He thinks we all need to chill out about foul-hooking fish. What do you think of this?
My creek gets super low and I can't get a cast over the fish. What can I do, and do you think a tightline technique would be better?
I live in Washington State and have a 10-foot 8-weight rod for salmon and steelhead. Are there any other places I can use this rod in my area?
The bass jumped all over a Senko Worm but I can't catch them on flies. Are there any bass flies that will work as well?
 What should I expect on my first float trip?
How can I identify good water for swinging wet flies

Many flies cross boundaries and you shouldn't hesitate to experiment with flies designed for other species. Tarpon flies will catch striped bass, smallmouths, and trout. Squirmy Worms and Mop flies work for bass, carp, and even bonefish. Steelhead, shad, and carp take bonefish flies. The list goes on, and Tim [35:08] and Tom relate stories where the "wrong" fly has often saved the day. It's a fun discussion.
In the Fly Box, my plea for phone calls has produced some great ones as well as the usual e-mails. Some of the questions and tips include:
Is there any reason I can't cut the hook off a jig head and use that for drop shotting?
A tip from a listener on a way to make guides in foreign countries very happy.
Any pros or cons to fly lines made from PVC as opposed to other materials?
Will a 5-weight rod work for light saltwater fishing?
How do you fish for carp in a lake with no visibility?
A comment on fishing etiquette.
Why do the catfish in my river jump clear of the water?
Which hook should I cut off my articulated streamers?
A great tip from a listener on tying blood knots.