Season 4 of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast comes to a close, but the conversation doesn’t stop here. In this final episode, Ross reflects on the BCFF Podcast journey so far—and turns to one of the most important conservation issues facing our public lands today: the proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule.

The Roadless Rule protects more than 58 million acres of America’s wildest country, safeguarding fish habitat, clean water, and the kind of backcountry that makes this podcast possible. Its repeal would open the door to development, fragmentation, and the loss of places that define our outdoor heritage.

Ross breaks down what the rule means, why it matters to anglers and anyone who loves wild country, and how you can get involved in defending it. If you’ve ever shouldered a pack, followed a faint trail, or fished water that can only be reached on foot, this is your fight too.

Thank you for being part of Season 4. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come in Season 5.

You can send in a public comment on the Repeal of the Roadless Rule here. Comments are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2025.

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As summer gives way to fall, backcountry anglers face one of the trickiest transitions of the year: turnover season. Weather gets funky, waters cool, insect activity changes, and spawning begins to influence behavior.

In this episode of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast, Ross unpacks how to approach this narrow edge season. He explains how (and where) to plan your trips, the extra gear you need in your backpack, what to expect from insect behavior as hatches taper off, which pattern you need in your box, and how spawning cycles begin to come into play. 

The goal of this episode is to provide a roadmap for anglers who want to keep catching fish when peak-season approaches no longer hold. Because really, none of us wants to stop fishing as summer comes to an end.

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Some places are so wild and remote they feel almost untouched. In northern British Columbia, just outside the vast Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, that kind of wilderness still exists. And it’s here that Urs and Daniel Schildnecht built Northern Rockies Adventures—a lodge and outfitting business that brings anglers and adventurers into some of the most rugged and spectacular country on the continent.

In this episode, Ross sits down with Urs and Daniel after spending days flying by float plane, fishing lakes and rivers that few will ever see. They talk about the origins of their lodge, the challenges of building a life and business so far north, and the stories that come from guiding in a place where the road ends. Along the way, they share their perspective on the Muskwa-Kechika itself—its unique landscape, its wildlife, and the deep solitude it offers to those willing to venture into it.

This is more than a fishing story—it’s a window into the people who call the wild north home, and the waters and mountains that define their lives.

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The backcountry demands more from both anglers and their equipment. When every ounce matters and every mile is earned, the right gear can make the difference between a long, grueling slog and a trip you’ll never forget.

In this episode, Ross sits down with brothers Patrick and Daniel Bauman of Colter Backcountry, where two brothers with a passion for the outdoors are designing fly fishing gear built specifically for anglers who venture deep into the wild.

If you’re a fly angler who hikes farther, camps deeper, and thrives on the adventure as much as the fishing, this episode will give you a look behind the curtain at the gear being built with you in mind.

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There’s a voice inside you that knows when something isn’t right. Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it roars. The key is learning to listen.

In this episode, Ross sits down with security expert and former FBI agent James Hamilton from Hamilton Security Group for a deep dive into the nature of intuition—what it is, where it comes from, and why it might be the most important tool you have in the backcountry and beyond.

They explore how intuition works under pressure, how to sharpen your situational awareness, and why training and preparation can mean the difference between confidence and catastrophe. Whether you're deep in the wilderness or navigating everyday life, this conversation will change the way you think about what your gut is trying to tell you.

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Backcountry fly fishing is about mastery—learning the water, the fish, and the environment. It’s about exploration, achievement, and growth. It’s about earning your fish and your spots, not having them handed to you.

In the second edition of Complaint Corner, Ross takes on the problem of spot burning—how it harms pristine places, ruins the fishing experience, and robs anglers of one of the best parts of the sport: discovering it for themselves.

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There’s no better way to learn what not to do than by pointing and laughing at someone else’s mistakes. Lucky for you, Ross has a whole wall full of them—and he’s not shy about handing out free lessons.

In this episode, Ross pulls three stories straight from his personal Wall of Shame: times he ignored his own advice, made dumb choices in the backcountry, and came this close to earning a Darwin Award.

The takeaway? Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Or just listen to this episode and avoid the prizes altogether.

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We all love to get out there as often as we can. But some days, you’re just not supposed to be in the wild. Some days, the mountain says No.

This episode is all about those moments—the ones where something inside you whispers, “Not today, friend.” Whether you're off physically, stuck in your own head, riding out an emotional storm, or just feeling that deep-down pull to turn back, learning to listen to that voice matters.

Because the wilderness doesn’t just test you—it talks to you. And sometimes, the most seasoned move you can make is knowing when to stay home.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Alright, you've picked the perfect high-alpine lake, found the perfect weather window, nailed your timing, and made the hike. What the hell do you do now?

In this episode, Ross walks you through how to make it happen on high-alpine lakes, which can be among the toughest places in the world to fly fish if you're not prepared.

If you're not sure what gear you need, wonder which patterns you ought to have in your box, or are looking for some tactics that might just save your day, this one's for you.  

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If you love backcountry fly fishing, chances are you love hiking to high-alpine lakes. But as stunning as these remote waters are—tucked away in rugged mountain ranges—they can be unpredictable and frustrating if you don’t time your trips right.

In this episode, Ross breaks down how to plan and time your next hike to a high-alpine lake, sharing practical tools, tips, and advice to help you stay safe and find success at the top of the world.

Here are some resources for you to check out:

Copernicus Browser (Sentinel Satellite Imaging)

AllTrails (for the latest reviews and reports)

National Weather Service (for the best daily forecasts)

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 If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

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