Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

We're officially past the halfway point of 2026, and it's been one of the biggest years yet for the Wet Fly Swing Podcast. We've expanded to four full-length interviews every week, added new shows from some of the biggest names in fly fishing, traveled to incredible destinations, and continued growing the Wet Fly Swing Pro community.
One question we get all the time is, "What episodes should I start with?"
To answer that, we pulled together the 10 most-listened-to episodes of the year so far. Whether you're interested in casting, dry-dropper fishing, Euro nymphing, steelhead, fly rod design, or planning your next destination trip, this list is a great place to dive in.
The Top 10 Episodes of 2026:
10. Jason Randall – Dry Dropper Fishing Beyond the Basics (Episode 928)
Jason Randall breaks down the divot, pivot, and twist system while sharing practical ways to improve your dry-dropper fishing beyond the basics.

9. John Hazel – Origins of Spey Casting & the Deschutes River (Episode 934)
A fascinating conversation with one of the pioneers of Spey fishing on the Deschutes River, covering the history of steelhead fishing and how the sport evolved.

8. Paul Arden – Why Anglers Stop Improving (Episode 939)
Sexyloops founder Paul Arden shares fly casting insights, explains common mistakes, and discusses why many anglers eventually plateau.

7. Jeff Liskay – The Steelhead Swing System (Episode 898)
A special presentation recorded during one of our fly fishing boot camps that gives listeners a taste of a Wet Fly Swing masterclass.

6. Larry Kenney – Inside Scott Fly Rods (Episode 906)
Scott Fly Rods founder Larry Kenney shares the company's history, innovations, and what makes Scott rods unique.

5. Connor Quigley – Inside Thomas & Thomas (Episode 948)
Connor Quigley discusses fly rod design, innovation, and the development of travel-friendly six-piece Spey rods.

4. Ed Jaworowski – The Science of a Perfect Fly Cast (Episode 897)
One of fly fishing's legendary casting instructors returns to explain the principles behind a better, more efficient cast.

3. Devin Olsen & Jack Arnett – Competitive Dry Fly Fishing (Episode 922)
Members of Team USA discuss competitive dry fly fishing and how they prepare for international competition.

2. Jordan Larson – From Filmmaker to Togiak River Lodge Owner (Episode 947)
Jordan shares the unexpected journey that took him from filmmaking into owning one of Alaska's premier fly fishing lodges.

1. Mark Melnyk – Giant Northern Pike at Scott Lake Lodge (Episode 946)
Our most popular episode of the year features Mark Melnyk of The New Fly Fisher discussing giant northern pike, lake trout, and the incredible fisheries of northern Saskatchewan. It became even more meaningful after our own trip to Scott Lake Lodge confirmed just how special the destination really is.
Looking Ahead
The second half of the year is shaping up to be just as exciting. We're planning new schools, destination trips to places like Belize and Iceland, more YouTube content, and continued growth inside the Wet Fly Swing Pro community. We'll also continue bringing on some of the best guides, anglers, and innovators in fly fishing to help you become a better angler.
If you're looking for your next episode, start with this Top 10 list. These conversations resonated with thousands of anglers this year, and there's a good chance you'll find a few new favorites of your own.

960 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/960

Presented by: AVC Rig, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Togiak River Lodge,
Blue Bonefish Lodge
Experience doesn't end the learning; it just changes the questions you ask on the water. Today I'm joined by Jim Sens of Deadman's Guide Service to talk about why swinging flies for trout and summer steelhead has become one of his favorite ways to catch fish.
Jim spends much of his season guiding anglers on Oregon's McKenzie and Willamette rivers, where he blends summer steelhead, trout, Spey casting, dry flies, nymphing, and wet flies into one complete day on the water.
We also get into fishing summer steelhead from a drift boat, the trout flies that are always in Jim's box, and how he fishes seams and tailouts throughout the season.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/960

#959 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/959

Presented by: Golden Fly Shop

Colorado offers far more than famous trout rivers. Michael Tolerton from Golden Fly Shop shares why the Front Range gives anglers access to an incredible range of fisheries within a short drive, along with tips on how changing water conditions can actually create new opportunities.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/959

#958 Show notes: https://wetflyswing.com/958
Presented By: Golden Fly Shop, FishHound Expeditions, Fly Fish With Me Utah, Yellowstone Teton Territory – Visit Idaho
In this episode of the Wet Fly Swing Podcast, Rick Mikesell shares why Denver's South Platte has become a destination for fly anglers looking to challenge themselves with one of the smartest fish in freshwater. He explains how carp fishing improves your casting and presentation, how it closely resembles saltwater flats fishing, and what it takes to fool these powerful fish consistently.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/958

957 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/957
Presented By: Stone Fly Nets, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Togiak River Lodge, Golden Fly Shop
In this episode of In the Bucket, Brian Niska welcomes Dec Hogan, Jonathan Farmer, and Marty Howard for a thoughtful discussion about steelhead fly fishing and the values that keep the sport alive. Their conversation goes beyond flies and techniques, exploring how mentorship, craftsmanship, books, conservation, and community continue to shape fishing culture today.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/957