Brookies are the favorite of tons of anglers. They're gorgeous, and the big ones can be extremely frustrating AND rewarding to catch. But they're also one of the biggest threats to the long-term survival of native fish like cutthroat trout. Brookies are more aggressive than cutties, so in places where the two fish live side-by-side, brookies outcompete cutthroat for food. Eventually, the cutthroat just can't persist on the landscape, and they disappear. So, to help cutthroat and other native fish like gila and apache trout, sometimes fisheries managers ASK for you to kill brook trout. Does killing a few brookies REALLY help cutthroat? And is this a sound practice, or do fish biologists in the West just have it out for brookies? Today on Untangled, we'll dive into all of this and explain what really goes into conserving and protecting our native fish.

You'll also learn about:

• What stomach pumps are, and why Spencer thinks they're unethical
• Camp traditions and recipes for fishing trips
• How to get the most out of backpacking trips to go fly fishing
• How to tell if you've spooked fish from a given fun

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Why are so many of the flies we tie, use, and sell, all brightly colored, when most of the real-life bugs trout eat are drab and dull? Why do our fly boxes look like they'd be more at home at a middle-school craft fair, or a tea party, than on the river? Well, it all boils down to how trout perceive color. Understanding this key detail of trout biology can help you better understand how and why trout react so well to certain fly patterns.

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ALEX STULCE RETURNS! And as he joins Spencer on today's episode, the two talk about the hopper fishing strategies that too often get ignored. Things like adding drag on purpose to make the hopper look like it's alive, to fishing them in shallow, nervous water. These are the little things that WILL make a difference in your fishing this summer, but that most folks don't ever discuss.

You'll also hear about:

• Everything going on behind-the-scenes at VFC, including updates on products, live events, and new releases
• Tips for fishing etiquette when you're brand-new
• How to guesstimate the depth of a river when setting up a nymph rig
• How to tell if you're getting a bite, or just ticking the bottom
• The great knot debate between the Clinch and Loop knots

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The days when you catch something unexpected — your new personal best, for instance — seem to come out of nowhere, like letters from the IRS. And not unlike mail from the tax man, I think every angler has at least SOME level of fear that they won't be prepared to meet those memorable fish when they decide to show up.

Of course, not every unforgettable fish has to be huge — it can be a particularly gorgeous brookie, or a wild rainbow trout that's shaped like a football, or a brown all colored up for pumpkin spice season.

But those big ones? That show up out of nowhere, when you're fishing the farm pond, that tiny creek near your house, or the stretch of river you've always skipped, because it just didn't look fishy?

Those are the fish that make your palms sweaty, get the butterflies swarming in your stomach, and put you right back in that dark, loud gym on the night of your first school dance. That feeling never goes away, no matter how long you've been fishing; or at least, it hasn't for me.

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Fly fishing apps are for those lazy anglers who just want someone to tell them where to go, what flies to use, and how to fish. They're for people who prefer automatic transmissions, boneless chicken wings, and Downton Abbey.

Right?

Well, not exactly. That was my attitude for a LONG time, until this year. I started using one app, and it honestly made me change my tune. These apps can be really helpful, for anglers of all skill levels.

Today on Untangled, you'll learn why I changed my mind about fly fishing apps, the ones we recommend here at VFC, and how to get the most out of these tools.

You'll also learn about:

• Tips for correcting a cast that always seem to land to the left or the right
• The gear Spencer recommends for backcountry fly fishing trips
• Etiquette for fishing with a larger group of anglers

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There are two main types of fly lines - weight-forward and doube-taper. But what do those words mean? And when would you want to use one versus the other? Today on Untangled, we'll tackle everything to know about the differences between these lines, as well as getting into when and why you might want to use them. We'll also talk about the importance of matching your fly line to your rod, and what makes a fly line "good" or "bad."

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This is the first episode of our new Everday Angler series, where we sit down with anglers who are at every stage of the learning curve. Yes, guides, outfitters, and industry experts have a lot to add to the conversation, but how often is their advice actualyl tailored to the situation you're in right now?

And since one of the best ways to learn is by chatting with other anglers in your exact situation, that's what we decided to do. Our first guest is Riley Bayles, an angler from Utah who's been fly fishing for abot 2 years. Alex and I had the chance to fish with Riley this summer, and we were impressed by his approach to the sport and his willingness to learn. Riley has some fantastic insight as someone who's in the thick of figuring it out, and his advice will absolutley help you become a better angler.

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August can feel like one of the tougher months for fly fishing, and in many ways, it is. BUT - with the right approach, you can still have a great time on the water this month. Depending on where you live, your best option might be fishing early in the morning, or chasing non-trout species. If you have easy access to the high country nearby, this is a great time to go out and explore all the less-visited places where the fishing is still fast and furious.

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When the air temps warm up, we're not the only ones having a hard time of it. Trout don't react well when the water gets too warm, and knowing both HOW and WHY they act differently in warm water, can be an easy way to ensure you're taking care of the fish we love so much. On today's episode on Untangled, you'll learn why it's important to monitor water temps, when you should stop fishing, and other quick tips you can use to ensure the fish stay happy and healthy for years to come.

You'll also learn about:

• The best method for changing out tippet to match your flies as they change sizes throughout the day
• Tips for spotting your dry flies on the water
• Spencer's thoughts on tippet rings, micro swivels, and yarn strike indicators

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Golden trout are among the prettiest, rarest, and most sought-after trout in the West. They live in hard-to-reach places, and the ones that grow to enormous sizes seem like they're harder to find than clear pictures of Bigfoot. But putting in the work and effort to look for these fish - even if you strike out - usually results in memories you'll never forget.

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