Our destination is Flaming Gorge near Dutch John, Utah, and the incredible alpine lakes and streams that blanket the high country with guest, expert fly angler, guide, and videographer Ryan Kelly, known on social media as the @GreenRiverFlyFisher.  Few anglers know about the hundreds of alpine lakes and streams in this area, yet for those anglers willing to do a little hiking, the opportunities are endless for backcountry Rainbows, Cutts, Grayling, even Tiger Trout, some topping 20”.         

A little bit about Ryan, he has been fishing the Flaming Gorge Area for 40 years and worked in the fly fishing industry for 28.  As a videographer, Ryan is highly sought after with clients such as Simms, FlyLords Magazine, and many of the local businesses.   You’ll be blown away by the quality and creativity of his work.  In his movie Escape, which is part of the 2021 Fly Fishing Film Tour, Ryan shares his personal battle with an autoimmune disease that forces him to stay in forced motion to escape the pain.  This movie has some incredible and unique fly fishing footage.   Ryan anticipates it being released soon for the general public.  

What’s more, Ryan shares some great tips on creating “moments of addiction” with a camera.    So grab your hiking boots and your camera and let’s head into high country northern UT with Ryan Kelly!

With Host, Steve Haigh

About Ryan Kelly

• Ryan’s top pictures and videos of the Alpine lakes and streams: @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
• Preview of Ryan’s movie, Escape:  https://www.tu.org/magazine/fishing/trout-talk/fishing-and-filming-to-escape-the-pain/
• Follow Ryan:   @GreenRiverFlyFisher on Facebook and Instagram

Our Sponsors:

• JP Ross Fly Rods & Company - specializing in small stream rods:   https://www.jprossflyrods.com/  Facebook @jprossandcompany   Instagram @jprossflyrods.  Use Happyfish for $50 off any rod purchase.
• Catchflo artist crafted fly-fishing themed footware:  https://catchflo.com/    @catchflo.  Use coupon code DAPOD10 for 10% off your first order.

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
• Join in the conversation with the @DestinationAnglerConnection group on Facebook:

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded Oct 24, 2021.  Episode 53.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Our destination is the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and our guest is expert guide and fly angler, David Hartlin, of David  Hartlin Guiding.   Few gamefish species have attracted the attention of the Atlantic Salmon which are known through the ages for their enormous strength and acrobatics. Lee Wulff established his Atlantic Salmon Fishing camp in this area in the 1930’s and today, over 60% of the world’s top Atlantic Salmon streams are right here.   

Newfoundland is THE place to go if you are looking for some head-shaking, hard running, tail-walking trophies.  And David is just the guy to tell us about em.  He’s been guiding hunting and fishing trips in these parts since 1998.  In fact, he grew up in this area, caught his first Atlantic Salmon when he was 8 years old,  and used to skip school just to chase Atlantic Salmon.  David also has a YouTube channel and his own podcast called The Guide Shack Chronicles.  So take a deep breath as David tells us how to live and breathe Atlantic Salmon in Newfoundland!   

With Host, Steve Haigh

About David Hartlin

• David’s top fly patterns and pictures of Newfoundland @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
• Contact David:  
  • David Hartlin Guiding:  http://www.davidhartlinguiding.com/ 
  • Follow David:  @davidhartlinguiding on Instagram and Facebook:  
  • Phone: 902 817 5440
• David's YouTube Channel:  https://youtube.com/channel/UChrCOOJEnD0FDR6MkgoMyLg 

Our Sponsors:

• JP Ross Fly Rods & Company - specializing in small stream rods:   https://www.jprossflyrods.com/  Facebook @jprossandcompany   Instagram @jprossflyrods.  Use Happyfish for $50 off any rod purchase.
• Catchflo artist crafted fly-fishing themed footware:  https://catchflo.com/    @catchflo.  Use coupon code DAPOD10 for 10% off your first order.

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
• Join in the conversation with the @DestinationAnglerConnection group on Facebook:

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded Oct 14, 2021.  Episode 52.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Our destination is Everglades National Park for trophy Tarpon and our guest is Jason Sullivan, Rising Tide Charters.   The Everglades is a unique and diverse fishery with some of the best saltwater fly fishing in the world.  From stalking the flats for Redfish and Snook to casting a fly to schools of rolling Tarpon, this fishery offers off-the-grid, year-round opportunities for the adventuresome angler. 

Jason has been fishing South Florida all his life and guiding for the past 10 years.  He’s an Orvis-endorsed guide and received the Orvis Saltwater Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year Award in 2018.   Jason attended college on a baseball scholarship and played in the minors for 3 years.  Jason covers the ins and outs of this incredible Tarpon fishery, techniques you need to know, plus the history of the area, conservation efforts, and infestation of Burmese Python in the Everglades. 

With Host, Steve Haigh

About Jason Sullivan

• Jason’s top fly patterns and pictures of the Everglades: @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
• Contact Jason:
• • Rising Tide Fly Fishing:  https://risingtidecharters.com/
  • Follow Jason:  @capt.jason_sullivan on Instagram and https://www.facebook.com/jason.sullivan.7946

Our Sponsors:

• JP Ross Fly Rods & Company - specializing in small stream rods:   https://www.jprossflyrods.com/  Facebook @jprossandcompany   Instagram @jprossflyrods.  Use Happyfish for $50 off any rod purchase.
• Catchflo artist-crafted fly-fishing-themed footwear:  https://catchflo.com/    @catchflo.  Use coupon code DAPOD10 for 10% off your first order.

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
• Join in the conversation with the @DestinationAnglerConnection group on Facebook:

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded Oct 7, 2021.  Episode 51.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Today we have a special edition of the Destination Angler Podcast on a very important issue affecting our cold-water fisheries – climate change.   Like many of you, over the past few years, I’ve been watching the news and hearing more and more about our climate.  No matter where you stand on man-made or natural, it’s hard to ignore things seem to be warming up, especially this past summer, which was the hottest summer on record.   

As I began to look into this I came across a report on the Impact of Global Warming on Trout in the Interior West that 50% of cutthroat trout habitat will be gone by 2080 if nothing is done. Can you imagine a world where half of our Cutthroat trout habitat is gone?   

To help us better understand climate change, our guests are Helen Neville, Senior Scientist, and Sara Porterfield, Water Policy Associate with Trout Unlimited.  We debunk fact from fiction, the impact of our warming climate on our cold-water fisheries, and most importantly what we can do about it. 

With Host, Steve Haigh

Climate Change Resources:

• Ten Strategies for Climate Resilience in the Colorado River Basin

• The Yale Climate Communication page, which provides interactive maps that can be parsed in myriad ways to explore public perception of climate change based on their annuals surveys:  https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/visualizations-data/ycom-us/
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group I report, Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis, which was just released:  https://www.ipcc.ch/2021/08/09/ar6-wg1-20210809-pr/
• TU National Leadership Climate Change Working Group website, which has recordings and slides of that overview talk I created for them:  https://www.tu.org/get-involved/volunteer-tacklebox/council-leader-resources/national-leadership-council/nlc-conservation-workgroups/climate-change-workgroup/
• TU Climate Change take action page:  https://www.tu.org/climate/
• Citizen’s Climate Lobby, whose Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R> 2307) TU is supporting among other national policies.  They have local chapters, national meetings, D.C. advocacy days, and sorts of resources that complement TU’s work on the issue:  https://citizensclimatelobby.org/
• TU’s Western Water 101 (blog & podcast series)  
• Miller Creek blog (BDAs in burned area)
• Brad Udall doesn’t have a website, but this post from John Fleck links to some good work he did with Brad
• Impact of Global Warming on Trout in the Interior West by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Montana TU

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
• Join in the conversation with the @DestinationAnglerConnection group on Facebook:

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded September 30, 2021.  Episode 50.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Today our destination is the South Platte River in Colorado and our guest is competition fly angler Russ Miller, Director of Marketing at Umpqua Feather Merchants.   The South Platte is an extensive river system known for highly technical tailwater fishing that is sure the challenge the most experienced fly angler.  Sections like the Dream Stream, 11 mile canyon, Spinney Mountain, Cheeseman Canyon, and Deckers have captured the imagination of anglers the world over who come here to test their skills against some of Colorado’s most educated trout!  

Russ has worked in the industry for 16 years as a guide, fly shop junkie, and marketing guy for some big names like Sage, RIO, Fishpond, and now Umpqua Feather Merchants.  He’s also represented the US at 6 World Fly Fishing Championships. 

So buckle your seatbelts while Russ gives us the grand tour of the South Platte River along with stories and tips from his years as a competition angler!   

With Host, Steve Haigh

About Russ Miller:

• Russ’s fly box and the infamous leech pattern for the South Platte: @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
• Contact Russ:

• https://www.umpqua.com/contact-us/
• Umpqua Feather Merchants: https://www.umpqua.com/

• Follow Umpqua:  @UmpquaFeatherMerchants on Instagram and Facebook

Our Sponsors:

• JP Ross Fly Rods & Company - specializing in small stream rods:   https://www.jprossflyrods.com/  Facebook @jprossandcompany   Instagram @jprossflyrods
• Harvest Hosts unique RV Camping:  https://harvesthosts.com/  @harvesthosts

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
• Join in the conversation with the @DestinationAnglerConnection group on Facebook:

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded September 16, 2021.  Episode 49.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Our destination is trophy Striper fishing on the Lower Sacramento River, Chico, California with Hogan Brown, VP of Marketing for Loon Outdoors.  The Lower Sac is prime water for hunting for big striped bass that can run 30, 40, 50 pounds, or more. In fact, Hogan shares a great story of a 50 pounder that broke his rod and explains why big Stripers may present THE toughest challenge for guides and anglers in freshwater. 

He’s also a prolific author having written dozens of articles and blogs for magazines such as North West Fly fishing, South West Fly Fishing, California Fly Fisher, and Fly Fisherman Magazine.  He’s the founder of the California Bass Union and the host of the Barbless Fly Fishing podcast.   So let’s dive into the Lower Sac and find out what makes these big Stripers tick.

With Host, Steve Haigh

About Hogan Brown:

• Hogan’s top fly patterns for the Lower Sacramento River: @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
• Contact Hogan:
• • Hogan Brown Fly Fishing:  https://www.hgbflyfishing.com/    
  • Follow Hogan:  @hgbflyfishing on Instagram and Facebook
• Loon Outdoors:     https://loonoutdoors.com/  | @Loonoutdoors

Our Sponsors:

• JP Ross Fly Rods & Company - specializing in small stream rods:   https://www.jprossflyrods.com/  Facebook @jprossandcompany   Instagram @jprossflyrods
• Harvest Hosts unique RV Camping:  https://harvesthosts.com/  @harvesthosts

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: @DestinationAnglerPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
• Join in the conversation with the @DestinationAnglerConnection group on Facebook:

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded Aug 26, 2021.  Episode 48.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Our destination is the Arkansas River in beautiful Colorado with expert fly angler, guide, and all-around fish whisperer, Greg Felt, owner of ArkAnglers fly shop, Salida and Buena Vista, Colorado.   Spectacular scenery, 100 miles of public access and pocket water, Gold Medal status, and diverse hatches make the Arkansas THE fan favorite of Colorado anglers year after year. 

For over 30 years Greg has called the Arkansas River Valley his home.  As a fly fishing guide, fly shop owner, and Chaffee County Commissioner, Greg is strong on technical knowledge and is deeply involved in water issues in the state.  He was even appointed by the Governor to serve on the Colorado Water Conservation Board.  Greg gives us a great rundown on all aspects of this freestone stream from its headwaters near Leadville to the tailwater below Pueblo, and lessons on leadership from his years as a float guide now turned conservationist. Bonus: alpine lakes and top tributaries plus Greg’s top fly picks.   

With Host, Steve Haigh

About Greg Felt:

• Greg’s top fly patterns for the Arkansas River: @DestinationAnglerPodcast   
• Contact Greg:
• • ArkAnglers Fly Shop:   http://www.arkanglers.com/
  • Follow ArkAnglers:  @ArkAnglers
• How to Approach the Arkansas River (blog post): a must-read article for new anglers on the Ark! http://www.arkanglers.com/how-approach-fishing-arkansas-river  

Our Sponsors:

• JP Ross Fly Rods & Company - specializing in small stream rods:   https://www.jprossflyrods.com/  Facebook @jprossandcompany   Instagram @jprossflyrods
• Harvest Hosts unique RV Camping:  https://harvesthosts.com/  @harvesthosts 

  Our listeners receive 15% off their membership FOR LIFE with the code FISH.

• TroutRoutes, the ultimate trout stream mapping app:   https://troutinsights.com/ @TroutRoutes

Our listeners 10% off their subscription with the code DESTINATION10

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: Instagram or Facebook: @DestinationAnglerPodcast   
• Join in the conversation with the @DestinationAnglerConnection group on Facebook:

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded Aug 18, 2021.  Episode 47.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Our destination is Central Pennsylvania and my fishing spree through these world-famous limestone trout streams:  Spring Creek, Fishing Creek, Penn’s Creek, the Letort, Big Spring Creek, the Little Juniata, and Spruce Creek. 

Along the way, I was able to catch up with George Costa, manager of TCO Fly Shop, who gives us the low-down on top streams in and around State College, some tight-line nymphing tips, and strategies for summer conditions. Neil Sunday, Relentless Fly Fishing, Carlisle, PA to talk about our amazing day on the Letort.  And Jonas Price, owner of the Feathered Hook, Coburn, PA.  Always a hoot, Jonas shares an entertaining story or two along with warm weather strategies, his top fly picks, and why locally tied flies are the way to go.  Bonus:  Rocky, the “Legend of the Letort”, shares a story or two from his 50 years of fishing the Letort Spring Creek and his infamous Ant pattern. 

Hope you enjoy these great people as much as I did.   With Host, Steve Haigh

Rocky's Ant Pattern:  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  (Facebook and Instagram)

Our experts:

• Contact George Costa:  TCO Fly Shop: https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/ | (814) 689-3654 |@TCOstatecollege
• Contact Neil Sunday:  Relentless Fly Fishing:  http://www.relentlessflyfishing.com/ | [email protected] | @neilsunday
• Contact Jonas Price: The Feathered Hook: https://thefeatheredhook.com/ |  (814) 349-8757| [email protected] | @thefeatheredhookflyshop

Our Sponsor:

• JP Ross Fly Rods & Company - specializing in small stream rods:   https://www.jprossflyrods.com/  Facebook @jprossandcompany   Instagram @jprossflyrods

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: Instagram or Facebook: @DestinationAnglerPodcast   
• Join in the conversation with the @DestinationAnglerConnection group on Facebook:

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded June 28 – July 8, 2021.  Episode 46.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Our destination is the hallowed grounds of the Beaverkill River in the Catskills Mountains just a few hours north of New York City. Our guest is expert fly designer and guide, Joe Rist, owner of Trout Town Flies, Roscoe, NY. Considered the birthplace of American dry fly fishing, the Beaverkill is often called “the most celebrated trout stream in America”.  And for good reason.  It’s a freestone river, steeped in history with an incredible diversity of hatches, known for highly selective trout, creating some of the best technical dry fly fishing in the east.   

Joe is a 3rd generation angler who has spent most of his life plying these waters and developing creative and effective patterns that are deadly when those standard fly patterns just aren’t fooling trout anymore.  Stick around for the back half of the show as Joe gives us the low down on the Beaverkill from top to bottom and a master class in fly tying and technical fly-fishing skills. 

With Host, Steve Haigh

About Joe Rist:

• Joe’s top fly patterns for the Beaverkill River: @DestinationAnglerPodcast  (Facebook and Instagram)
• Contact Joe:
• • Trout Town Flies:  https://www.trouttownflies.com/
  • Follow Joe:  Facebook & Instagram:  @TroutTownFlies
• Joe’s favorite books:
• • Land of Little Rivers: A Story in Photos of Catskill Fly Fishing, by Austin M. Francis
  • Catskill Flytier, by Harry Darbee

Our Sponsor:

• JP Ross Fly Rods & Company - specializing in small stream rods:   https://www.jprossflyrods.com/  Facebook @jprossandcompany   Instagram @jprossflyrods

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: Instagram or Facebook: @DestinationAnglerPodcast   
• Join in the conversation with the @DestinationAnglerConnection group on Facebook:

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded July 12, 2021.  Episode 45.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/

Our destination is Taos, New Mexico, and the pristine Rio Grande River.   Our guest is expert fly angler and guide, Nick Streit, owner of Taos Fly Shop.   The Rio Grande is a rugged and unpressured river as it flows through the gorge just outside of Taos, NW.  A great numbers fishery, the Rio Grande is designated one of America’s Wild and Scenic Rivers where 50 to 100 fish days are possible. 

Nick got into the family business at an early age, guiding before he could even drive.   By the age of 17, he was a member of the U.S. fly fishing team that took second place in the World Championships in Wales, of all places.  In 2004 Nick re-opened the Taos Fly Shop originally started by his dad back in the early 1980s.  Nick also enjoys photography and his work has been featured in publications such as Southwest Fly Fishing and New Mexico Magazine.   

So strap on your hiking boots if you love solitude, incredible scenery, and a physical challenge, cause we're going deep into the Rio Grande gorge.  And be sure to listen to the very end cause Nick shares some great advice on what he calls “fishing deliberately” to improve catch rates.   

With Host, Steve Haigh

About Nick Streit:

• Top fly picks for the Rio Grande River: @DestinationAnglerPodcast  (Facebook and Instagram)
• Contact Nick:
• • Taos Fly Shop:    https://taosflyshop.com/flyguide/main
  • Follow Nick:  Facebook & Instagram:   @TaosFlyShop
• Books by Nicks’s Dad, Taylor:
• • Instinctive Fly Fishing: A Guide's Guide to Better Fishing
  • Fly Fishing New Mexico
  • Man vs Fish: The Fly Fisherman's Eternal Struggle
  • Fly Fish Taos-Santa Fe
• Nicks’ favorite angler-friendly restaurant:  Guadalajara Grill  https://guadalajaragrilltaos.com/

Our Sponsor:

• JP Ross Fly Rods & Company - specializing in small stream rods:   https://www.jprossflyrods.com/  Facebook @jprossandcompany   Instagram @jprossflyrods

Destination Angler:

• The Destination Angler Website and Show Notes:   http://destinationangler.libsyn.com/

• Get updates and pictures of destinations covered on each podcast: Instagram or Facebook: @DestinationAnglerPodcast   
• Join in the conversation with the @DestinationAnglerConnection group on Facebook:

Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]

Available on Apple, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts

Recorded July 7, 2021.  Episode 44.

Music on the show by A Brother’s Fountain, “Hitch Hike-Man”.   

Podcast edited by Podcast Volume  https://www.podcastvolume.com/