806 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/806

Presented by:  On DeMark Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Jackson Hole Fly Company,  Patagonia

In this episode, we dive into Jeff Putnam's straightforward approach to spey casting, built on feel, timing, and simplicity. Jeff walks us through the four steps to better spey casting, common mistakes he sees on the water (and how to fix them), and what to do when your confidence takes a hit mid-swing. (We've all been there!) 

We also get into the evolution of spey lines and rods, the Rogue River, Northern California, and tips for everything from trout with a three-weight to winter steelhead on big rivers.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/806

#805 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/805

Presented By: Stonefly Nets, Intrepid Camp Gear, Mountain Waters Resort, Patagonia

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Ever find yourself standing on a river’s edge, the line in the water, and somehow everything makes sense, even when nothing should? That’s where I landed with Jonathan “Jon” Gluck, a writer, editor, and fly-fishing lifer—or at least, someone whose lifeline came through steelhead-strength treatments and the quiet grace of a swing.

Jon was told he had about 18 months to live after a multiple myeloma diagnosis more than two decades ago. Instead of slowing down, he found healing where you’d expect it least—in the gentle arc of a cast, the flash of the fly, the now. There’s a lot of power in An Exercise in Uncertainty, his memoir, but even more in the way Jon leans into what fishing gives us: calm, clarity, and a reminder that presence is everything.

#805 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/805

#804 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/804 

Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Intrepid Camp Gear, San Juan Rodworks

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        

Phil Rowley breaks down the world of sinking lines—why and when to use them, how to pick the right one, and the tricks that make them effective. From understanding sink rates and densities to choosing leaders and rigging setups, Phil shares practical tactics that can help you fish deeper and smarter on lakes.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/804   

803 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/803

Presented by: TroutRoutes

If you’re curious about Michigan steelhead and salmon fishing, this episode is for you.

Christian Gradowski swings streamers under city bridges, strips flies for kings in water warmer than most trout would tolerate, all while capturing it all on film. 

You’ll learn how to read tricky currents without obvious structure, get prepped for Great Lakes kings, and why July bass fishing can actually teach you how to swing in November. Christian keeps it real, sharing stories from the gravel runs of the Muskegon to the busy Grand River, where steelhead stack up under freeway overpasses.

Find out why stripping streamers could be your new go-to and how glow-headed flies help get bites in cold water.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/803

Show Notes:https://wetflyswing.com/802

Presented By: Intrepid Camp Gear

Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Mckenzie Johns’ fly fishing road trips have taken her from small Pennsylvania streams to epic solo journeys across the Rockies. On her recent fly fishing road trip from Colorado to Alberta, Mckenzie combined her passion for trout fishing with the freedom of rooftop tent camping, traveling with her blue heeler, and testing the Intrepid Geo Solo tent. Along the way, she shared how fitness helps her stay strong and confident outdoors, making long days on the river and setting up camp effortless. Her approach blends gear know-how, solo travel safety, and a love for exploring wild, beautiful places.

For women looking to plan their own fly fishing road trips, Mckenzie’s story shows it’s possible to merge fishing, camping, and fitness into one unforgettable experience. From choosing the right tent and packing fly fishing essentials to embracing solo travel and building outdoor strength, her advice encourages confidence on and off the water. Whether on a calm lake, a fast-moving river, or a mountain campsite, Mckenzie Johns proves that fly fishing road trips—when combined with skill, preparation, and passion—lead to adventures worth remembering.

01:14 - Mckenzie Johns was introduced to fly fishing by her father in Pennsylvania, stepped away from it for years, and reignited her passion after catching her first trout at Deckers, Colorado, about 7–8 years ago. She is now in Canmore, Alberta, preparing for her first fishing trip with her father since 2019, highlighting the deep bond they share through the sport.

05:46 - Mckenzie Johns discussed her Intrepid Camp Gear setup, which she tested during an eight-day solo road trip from Colorado to Canada. She uses a 2024 Toyota 4Runner equipped with a Geo Solo rooftop tent and a 190 cargo box, a combination that keeps her organized, allows for quick setup in under two minutes, and provides safety and comfort, especially valuable for solo female travel in remote, scenic locations. For more information, view here.

12:45 - Mckenzie Johns explained that when she first committed to fly fishing, she relied on guidance from her then-partner, supplemented by podcasts, YouTube tutorials, and self-study, but ultimately improved through hands-on practice. She identified casting as her biggest early challenge, starting with Euro-nymphing before transitioning to traditional fly fishing, and now relies on a few “confidence” patterns—especially a size 18 perdigon, flashback hare’s ear, and hopper-dropper rigs with a chubby Chernobyl and egg pattern—favoring an intuitive approach over strict hatch-matching.

19:03 - Mckenzie Johns shared that she hasn’t been Euro-nymphing much lately, instead fishing with an indicator setup holding two to three subsurface flies—often using a bright pink indicator for visibility. With rivers blown out from recent rain, she’s considering lakes while enjoying the rare chance to fish alongside her father, a dedicated trout angler from Connecticut who’s always ready to pull out a fly rod whenever he’s near water.

22:18 - Mckenzie Johns said road trips let her explore beyond Colorado into places like Wyoming, Montana, and now the Canadian Rockies—finding beauty in the landscapes and the waters she fishes. Her tip for a long journey is to research for safety but embrace solo travel for its empowerment, noting that a reliable vehicle like her Toyota 4Runner makes it easier to be ready for adventure anywhere.

29:15 - Mckenzie Johns described how her fitness journey began from a low point in her life, where hiking in New Hampshire sparked the realization that better physical health would let her enjoy the outdoors more fully. After moving to Colorado, she shifted her mindset from exercising for appearance to training for strength, endurance, and mental clarity—eventually embracing home workouts and even coaching other women to build the fitness needed to explore and adventure confidently.

35:00 - Mckenzie Johns explained that anyone can start a fitness journey at home with just a yoga mat, a few sets of dumbbells, and a focus on weightlifting mixed with some cardio, noting that expensive equipment or a gym membership isn’t necessary. She also shared how the fly fishing community has become more inclusive for women in recent years, though challenges remain, and emphasized the importance of female-led groups that create safe, welcoming spaces for beginners to learn and grow in the sport.

46:18 - Mckenzie Johns advised that anyone looking to improve their health can start small with regular walking for low-impact cardio and basic stretching to keep muscles limber before and after activities. She also shared about her blue heeler, Sari—nicknamed “Smooch” for her affectionate nature—who often joins her adventures and enjoys relaxing in their rooftop Geo Solo tent, where she can watch the outdoors through the open windows.

50:26 - Mckenzie Johns shared that she still uses her first fly rod, a nine-foot five-weight Orvis Clearwater, which has proven versatile for Colorado waters, and that she often wet wades in warm weather but relies on her well-patched Patagonia waders—purchased secondhand—when conditions call for it. On the road, she enjoys a collaborative Spotify playlist she created with her social media followers, featuring a mix of genres from classic rock to pop, including songs by Kansas that bring back fond memories of time spent with her dad. If you're looking for the playlist, go here.

57:43 - Mckenzie Johns said this Canadian Rockies road trip has inspired her to return next summer for a longer stay when the fishing conditions are at their peak. She took eight days to make the nearly 2,000-mile drive from Boulder, savoring stops in Wyoming, Montana, and along the scenic Trans-Canada Highway through British Columbia before arriving in Canmore.

Conclusion with Mckenzie John on Fly Fishing Camping

In this episode, Mackenzie Johns shares her journey into fly fishing and camping, from her solo road trip across the Rockies to testing the Intrepid Geo Solo rooftop tent. She talks about her blue heeler travel companion, how fitness plays a role in her outdoor adventures, and tips for women looking to start their own fishing and camping journeys. Along the way, Mackenzie offers gear advice, safety insights, and encouragement for embracing the outdoors with confidence.

Have you ever tried planning your own adventure “on the fly”?   Show Notes:https://wetflyswing.com/802

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/801

Presented By: Grand Teton Fly Fishing, FishHound Expeditions, Togiak River Lodge

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Today's guest traded trout strains for silk thread vintage hooks, and the history-packed world of classic fly tying never looked back. From his first salmon fly at age 12 to becoming a leading voice in preserving old school craftsmanship, Tony Smith has spent decades chasing the perfect thread wrap. By the end of this episode, you'll know what really defines a classic salmon fly, why wax silk and antique hooks still matter, and how tying flies help Tony navigate OCD social anxiety and come out on the other side.

Tony Smith is here to share what it's really like inside the quirky and passionate world of classic salmon fly tying, what the feather thief story got right and wrong, and why sometimes keeping it simple is still the most beautiful thing you can do at the vise. Plus, we're going to find out why reaching out to your fly-tying heroes might be the smartest thing that you do all year.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/801

#800 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/800 

Presented by: Pescador on the Fly, Intrepid Camp Gear, Mountain Waters Resort, Patagonia

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors       

In this episode, we sit down with Robert “Bob” Lindquist of Flies for Fish to talk all about fly fishing the Delaware River. Bob grew up fishing Montauk beaches from a ’55 Willys Jeep, learned to tie flies on common nails, and eventually dedicated his life to guiding and teaching others on one of the most technical tailwaters in the East.

We dive into how to read rise forms, why line management can matter more than casting distance, and how a bar merger pattern can outfish a dry fly four-to-one. Bob also shares the truth behind the Delaware’s legendary rainbow trout, his go-to patterns for the river, and why furled leaders and reach casts are game changers in this fishery.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/800    

799 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/799

Presented by:  San Juan Rodworks, Visit Idaho, Jackson Hole Fly Company, TroutRoutes

Looking to unlock the secrets of night fishing for brown trout? Imagine swinging mice and streamers under the glow of your headlamp, hooking big browns long after the sun goes down.

In this episode, you’ll discover how glow-in-the-dark flies work, why unweighted streamers can turn the bite on, and how to read water by feel, not sight.

Frank Landis, a Pennsylvania fly fishing guide, shares his expert insights on stream temperatures, seasonal triggers, the truth behind mouse patterns, and why slowing down is the key to success after dark.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/799

#798 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/798

In this episode of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast, Chad brings on his fishing crew — a mix of guides and friends he’s traveled and fished with for years. They share funny and crazy stories from the water, like breaking gear, getting stuck in shallow flats, and even mistaking big bonefish for sharks.

The crew talks about the teamwork it takes to fish together, the challenges of different waters like the Louisiana marsh and Florida flats, and how they’ve learned (and laughed) through plenty of mistakes. They also share how to book trips with them, whether it’s tarpon in Florida, redfish in Louisiana, or even fishing in Cuba. It’s a fun, laid-back conversation filled with good laughs, fishing tips, and the bond that comes from years of adventures together.

#798 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/798

#797 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/797 

Presented by: Togiak River Lodge, FishHound Expeditions, San Juan Rodworks, Intrepid Camp Gear

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors       

If you’ve ever dreamed to fly fish Belize on your terms to chase bonefish and permit, this episode is for you. We’re heading to Ambergris Caye where Mary Alice Hoppe and her husband Chris created Iguana House, a beachfront lodge built with DIY anglers in mind. In this episode, Mary Alice shares what it’s really like to run a fishing lodge, how to plan your trip for tailing permit and migrating tarpon, and why a golf cart might just be your most valuable gear item. We also dive into what to expect on the island, from fishing conditions to local adventures like snorkeling Belize’s incredible reef systems.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/797