This episode is a full read-through of one of the most personal stories I’ve shared — my first elk hunt.

Born and raised a whitetail hunter in the plains of Oklahoma, I grew up in familiar woods, close to home, surrounded by family tradition. Elk hunting in the mountains of Colorado was something entirely different. Bigger country. Higher stakes. Harder lessons.

In this episode, I read my full article From Plains to Peaks: My First Elk Hunt and spend time reflecting on the preparation, the doubt, the encounter, and the reality that the work truly begins after the shot.

This isn’t a trophy story.
It’s a story about learning, responsibility, community, and earning your place in wild country.

If you’ve ever stepped into something outdoors that humbled you — this one’s for you.

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🎧 Listen on Spotify
📺 Watch on YouTube
🌐 More from Flying Trout: https://flyingtroutco.wixsite.com/my-site-2

Follow along for more:
Instagram | TikTok | YouTube — @FlyingTrout

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#FlyingTrout #ElkHunting #PublicLand #BackcountryHunting #MountainHunting #DIYHunt #WesternHunting #OutdoorsPodcast #HuntingStory #EarnedNotGiven

Autumn is here—and with it comes some of the best fly fishing of the year. 🍂 In this episode of The Flying Trout Podcast, I dive into why fall is my favorite season on the water:

• How cooler temps bring trout back into prime feeding lanes

• The magic of fall hatches (BWOs, caddis, and midges)

• My go-to fly choices for this time of year

• Challenges like spooky trout, shifting weather, and the spawn

• Strategies to stay successful—and connected—through it all

Fall isn’t just productive, it’s unforgettable. From crisp mornings and foggy rivers to aggressive strikes and golden landscapes, it’s a season where fishing and living feel one and the same.

🎣 What’s your favorite time of year to fish? Share it with me in the comments or on socials using #FlyingTrout.

🎙️ The Flying Trout Podcast – Episode 9
In the Dance of Water and Wind

Fly fishing has always been more than a sport for me—it’s a spiritual experience. In this episode, I share a late August morning in Colorado’s Big Thompson Canyon, where the river, the wind, and the rising fog set the stage for reflection, solitude, and connection with creation.

From lacing up boots in the stillness of dawn to stepping into cold mountain water, this episode captures the dance between water, wind, and the soul of an angler.

Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or simply love wild places, join me as we find peace, presence, and meaning on the river’s edge.

🎣 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Vtw5ruGi9Jyr7eOjlbNKi?si=3099b3c9374541be

🎙 The Flying Trout Podcast – Episode 8: The Tight Line Advantage 🎣

The mono rig — part fly fishing, part tight line magic — has been making waves in the trout world. Today, I’m reading my latest article The Tight Line Advantage and sharing why this system might be the most versatile setup you can carry to the water.

We’ll break down: ✅ The real advantages of the mono rig ✅ Common criticisms and my takes ✅ My brand-new leader formula: 25lb Maxima Chameleon → 14lb Stren → 12lb → 10lb → tippet ring

Whether you’re a die-hard traditionalist or a curious tinkerer, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how to meet trout on their terms.

📄 Full Article & Leader Formula: https://flyingtroutco.wixsite.com/my-site-2/post/the-tight-line-advantage

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Vtw5ruGi9Jyr7eOjlbNKi?si=3099b3c9374541be

The Flying Trout Podcast – Episode 7
🎣 Walk a Little Farther

When your favorite fishing spot is taken and nothing goes right—what do you do? In this episode, I share the story of a frustrating morning that turned into one of the most rewarding days I’ve had on the water. We talk crowded rivers, new maps, big risks, and the biggest brown trout I’ve ever hooked (and lost). Sometimes all it takes is a little extra effort—and a willingness to walk a little farther.

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📍Find more at: https://flyingtroutco.wixsite.com/my-site-2

Summer means more time to fish, but it also brings higher temperatures—and for wild trout, that can be deadly.

In this episode, host Braden Evans shares a personal story about the day he learned the hard way what heat can do to trout. Then we dive into the science behind water and air temperature stress, catch-and-release mortality, and what every angler can do to fish more responsibly when the mercury rises.

🎣 We cover:

• What temperature is too hot to fish

• Scientific studies on trout physiology and mortality

• How air temps and photos can silently kill fish

• What tools and tactics make summer fishing safe

• How to be a better steward without giving up the sport

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just learning the ropes, this episode is a call to protect the resource we all love—one cool stream and thoughtful cast at a time.

🧊 Resources Mentioned:

🔬 1. Gale et al. (2013)
Title: Physiological consequences of catch-and-release angling on rainbow trout and the effects of air exposure duration
Journal: North American Journal of Fisheries Management
DOI: 10.1080/02755947.2013.824931
Found that even 30 seconds of air exposure at elevated water temperatures can result in significant post-release mortality.

🔬 2. Ferguson, R. A., and Tufts, B. L. (1992)
Title: Physiological effects of brief air exposure in exhaustively exercised rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): implications for "catch and release" fisheries
Journal: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
DOI: 10.1139/f92-129
Demonstrated that just 60 seconds of air exposure after exhaustive exercise significantly increases mortality risk.

🔬 3. Gingerich, A. J., et al. (2007)
Title: Evaluation of the effects of catch-and-release angling on the survival and behavior of wild brook trout
Journal: North American Journal of Fisheries Management
DOI: 10.1577/M05-211.1
Found that high air temperatures and air exposure during release resulted in elevated cortisol and lactate levels, increasing post-release mortality.

🔬 4. Isaak, D. J., et al. (2020)
Title: Climate change effects on stream and river temperatures across the northwest U.S. from 1980–2009 and implications for aquatic species
Journal: Freshwater Biology
DOI: 10.1111/fwb.13532
Identified air temperature as the dominant driver of daily stream temperature increases, especially in smaller, exposed headwater streams.

🔬 5. Trout Unlimited
Title: Safe Water Temperatures for Catch and Release Trout Fishing
Source: www.tu.org
Offers practical temperature thresholds for fishing:

• Below 65°F – Safe to fish

• 65–68°F – Fish with caution

• Above 68°F – Avoid fishing for trout

🔬 6. Keep Fish Wet
Source: www.keepfishwet.org
Science-based guidance on best handling practices, emphasizing minimizing air exposure, reducing handling time, and keeping fish wet.

📸 Join the convo:
Tag your summer temps with #FlyingTroutTemps and share how you fish responsibly when the heat is on.

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🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes and follow @flyingtrout on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more fly fishing goodness.

🎙️ The Flying Trout Podcast – Episode 5
Title: What Do You Really Need? Simplifying Fly Fishing Gear 🎣

Ever feel overwhelmed by fly fishing gear? In this episode, we cut through the clutter and focus on what actually matters on the water. Whether you're brand new to the sport or just tired of carrying too much stuff, this one's all about simplifying your setup and building strong fundamentals.

We break down:

• The trap of chasing high-end gear before you’re ready

• The only two knots you need to know as a beginner

• A practical, affordable beginner setup that works

• Why casting and time on the water will always matter more than your gear

• What to upgrade first (and when to do it)

At the end of the day, fly fishing isn’t about the latest gadget—it’s about skill, joy, and connection. So forget the noise and just go fish.

🔗 More resources + support the show: https://flyingtroutco.wixsite.com/my-site-2
📸 Let’s connect: #flyingtrout
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube

🎙️ The Flying Trout Podcast – Episode 4
Title: Streamers, Nymphs, and Dries, OH MY!

Fly selection doesn't have to be complicated. In this episode, host Braden Evans breaks down the three core types of flies every angler should know: streamers, nymphs, and dries. Whether you’re a seasoned purist or a curious beginner, understanding the strengths of each fly type—and when to use them—can completely change the way you approach the water.

Braden reads his article “Streamers, Nymphs, and Dries, OH MY!” and follows it up with a practical discussion about adapting your strategy to meet trout on their terms. Learn when to switch tactics, how to read situations on the water, and why becoming a versatile angler is key to more consistent success.

🎧 Includes:

• Streamer tips for aggressive trout

• Nymph techniques that actually produce

• Dry fly truths (and why they're not always the answer)

• Real-world examples from Braden’s time on the water

• Listener Q&A on presentation, fly choice, and more

Whether you're chucking meat, dead-drifting a nymph, or waiting for that perfect rise, this episode will help you sharpen your fly fishing game.

🎣 Read the full article at: https://flyingtroutco.wixsite.com/my-site-2
📍 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show—it helps more folks find The Flying Trout Podcast!

Next week: We dive into gear—how much you really need, what’s worth the money, and how to stop obsessing over every catalog listing.

Ever found yourself stuck in one run, casting over and over, hoping for a miracle? This episode is for you.

This week, Braden dives into one of the biggest mindset shifts in his fly fishing journey—learning to cover water with purpose. In our featured article “Move That Water”, we explore how moving more and fishing further can lead not only to more trout in the net—but also to unforgettable wild encounters and secret spots you’d otherwise miss.

We break it all down:
– 🎯 How to control what you can (and let go of what you can’t)
– 🏃‍♂️ Why simple setups and good gear help you fish faster and farther
– 📱 The tools that keep you moving: Garmin watches, TroutRoutes, hydration packs, and more
– 🐻 And yes… some stories of wild animals and wilder moments along the river

🎧 Hit play, pack light, and get ready to fish like you mean it.

Let’s be honest—sometimes, the fish just aren’t having it. You’ve tied the flies, hiked the miles, whispered sweet nothings to your tippet... and still, you’re left standing in a beautiful river holding nothing but your pride (and maybe a soggy granola bar).

In this episode of The Flying Trout Podcast, I (Braden Evans) read a short piece I wrote after getting completely skunked—like, not even a pity bite. It’s called “Sometimes the Fish Win”, and it’s all about those humbling days when nothing works... and why that might actually be a good thing.

Then we jump into the real stuff: what to actually do when the fish aren’t biting. I’ll share some tips that sometimes help (no promises), like changing your fly, adjusting your depth, or just accepting that today... you’re the entertainment, not the predator.

Plus, we answer a few listener questions, like:

• “When do you switch flies, and when do you just walk away?”

• “What’s your go-to fly for days that make you question your life choices?”

• “Do you ever just quit and go get a burger?”

If you’ve ever had a rough day on the water (and if you haven’t, you’re lying), this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in, laugh a little, and remember—if fly fishing were easy, we’d all be bored.