825 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/825

This episode of CJ's Reel Southern Podcast brings together two seasoned Arkansas guides, Morgan Guss of Diamond State Fly Co. and Matt Millner of Rising River Guides. They'll walk us through the White River's changing seasons and the strategies that keep anglers successful year-round.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/825

#824 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/824  

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/patagonia 

In this episode, we sit down with legendary fly angler Craig Mathews to explore their new book Pheasant Tail Simplicity. Craig shares why fewer flies, better observation, and thoughtful presentation often lead to more success on the water. From fishing caddis hatches to choosing the right dry fly, this conversation is full of practical tips and timeless wisdom for anglers of all skill levels.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/824      

#823 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/823

Presented By: TroutRoutes

Erik Johnson of TroutRoutes (now part of OnX) returns to share how digital mapping is transforming trout fishing across the country. He walks us through new features like integrated OnX cartography, live stream gauges, offline maps, custom markers, and Android/iOS upgrades

Erik also talks about trout lakes, stream classifications, and how anglers can use TroutRoutes for everything from blue-lining in the Driftless to planning multi-day backcountry trips. Along the way, he shares insights on safety, boats and rowing, fly shop shoutouts, and what it's like to grow from a 5-person startup into part of a 400+ employee mapping powerhouse.

#823 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/823

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/822

Presented By: Pescador on the Fly

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

From shoulder surgery rehab to 10 guiding seasons across Rock Creek, the Blackfoot, and the Big Hole, Montana guide and photographer Drew Baker shares how he turned days on the oars into a career behind the lens. In this episode, Drew shows why the best Montana fly fishing photography tips aren't about megapixels—they're about telling a real story on the water.

You'll learn how to capture authentic moments (not just grip-and-grins), build a simple kit that travels well, and plan your shots so you protect fish and still come home with wall-worthy images. We also dig into summer strategy across Montana, when to pivot rivers, and the underrated power of the point-and-shoot in your waders.

Show Notes with Drew Baker on Fly Fishing Photography

02:57 - Drew shared how photography became his focus, noting that breaking into the hunting industry was easier than fly fishing since many fishing content creators were established early, but his passion for photos began with fly fishing.

 04:30 - He recounted how rehabbing a shoulder surgery in college led him to daily fly fishing, on the advice of his physical therapist, which eventually turned into guiding in 2015. 

06:08 - Drew explained that Philipsburg, Montana offers access within 90 minutes to major rivers like the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Big Hole, and Beaverhead, giving guides flexibility depending on flows and client lodging.

07:19 - He described guiding on the upper 14 miles of Rock Creek, where outfitters without Forest Service permits are restricted, and how this stretch provides prime opportunities close to town.

09:11 - Drew talked about his collaboration with Jeff from Pescador on the Fly, capturing lifestyle product photography and storytelling video while fishing on the Missouri. 

10:28 - He discussed filming Happy Hustle masterminds, where entrepreneurs combine survival skills, fishing, and camping with business problem-solving, which has shaped how he organizes his own guiding and photography business.

14;21 - Drew explained that while phones can work for casual anglers, carrying a small point-and-shoot camera can inspire more creativity and story-driven photos.

16:19 - He detailed his pro setup: two Sony bodies, one wide-angle lens for scenery and one telephoto for wildlife or tight fishing shots, since swapping lenses mid-float risks water damage.

18:12 - On the Pescador shoot, Drew used his Sony A7 IV, a wide and tight lens, a DJI Pocket 3 gimbal camera for stabilized boat footage, and a drone to capture varied perspectives.

19:58 - He described how gimbals stabilize video, eliminating distracting shake, and why the DJI Pocket 3 has become a game-changer for filming on water. 

22:03 - Drew highlighted the DJI Pocket 3's "creator combo," which includes a wireless mic with 10-bit float audio, ensuring clear sound even in high wind conditions.

24:31 - He emphasized must-have accessories like a circular polarizer filter to cut water glare, an air puffer to clear droplets before wiping a lens, and a waterproof camera bag to safely store gear but keep it accessible.

26:46 - Drew encouraged anglers to document the whole story of a day-sunrise, fly selection, facial expressions, net shots, and release rather than just grip-and-grin photos.

31:22- When asked whether photography or video tells a better story, Drew chose photography, explaining that a single strong image can convey a complete narrative.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/822

821 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/821

Presented by:   Pescador on the Fly, TroutRoutes, Four Wheel Campers, 

Drifthook Fly Fishing 

Big browns don't always fall for big flies. Sometimes the secret is going smaller. On today's episode, we're digging into the world of fishing micro streamers with Brian from Trout Tornado.

Brian shares how downsizing can unlock the biggest fish in the system, why two-fly rigs shine during the minnow hatch, and the loop knot trick that makes streamers swim like they're alive. We'll also get into reading water, knowing when browns are staging, and how to fish them right.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/821

#820 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/820 

Presented by: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Smitty's Fly Box, Intrepid Camp Gear, Patagonia

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        

Mike Bachkosky has spent more than fifty years on the Delaware River, watching hatches, studying rise forms, and learning every detail of this legendary fishery. As a signature fly tyer for Umpqua and a dedicated dry fly angler, Mike brings deep knowledge of sulphur hatches, rise form reading, and the history of classic patterns like the Haystack and the Unusual. In this episode, he shares his simple one-minute fly approach, why presentation often matters more than pattern, and his personal philosophy on dry fly design. We also discuss his work with the Delaware River Labradors and how dogs and trout have shaped his life on the water.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/820   

#819 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/819

Presented By: Visit Idaho, Smitty's Fly Box, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Patagonia

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Kelly Reaume, co-founder of Backcountry Skinz, takes us inside the story of how a garage idea turned into a company that's reshaping how anglers wade. From breathable neoprene leggings to waterproof socks and lightweight pack-raft setups, Kelly explains why Skinz are becoming a go-to for float trips, alpine lakes, and backcountry anglers who don't want the bulk of waders.

We hear how the first 2 mm prototype gave way to a 1.5 mm design, why guides and DIY anglers alike are using them, and how he and his brother built the brand during COVID. The episode drifts through product strategy, pack-raft stories, marketing lessons, and the pride of keeping things personal as they expand into new markets.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/819

818B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818B

Presented by:   Togiak River Lodge

For most of us, the spark that leads to fly fishing is a fish, a mentor, or maybe a trip. For Aaron Berg, it was a fire. When his house burned down, it forced a choice: keep welding or go all-in on guiding.

In this episode, Aaron shares how that turning point led him from fixing boats at Togiak River Lodge to running them, what he's learned chasing kings and silvers in Alaska, and how spey casting reshaped the way he fishes back home in Washington.

 If you've ever wondered how passion turns into purpose—or how swinging a fly can shift the way you see fishing—this one's for you.

  Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818B

#818 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818

Presented By: Waters West

In today's episode of In the Bucket podcast, we're joined by Trevor Covich and Ed Fuhrken of Waters West Fly Fishing Outfitters. Both are long-time stewards of Pacific Northwest steelhead, guiding anglers while battling issues like habitat loss, hatchery impacts, and river access.

They talk about what it's like behind the fly shop counter: the tension between preserving wild runs and serving a growing demand for steelhead experiences. You'll hear stories about closures, managing stock versus wild fish, and how trout tactics don't always translate to steelhead crisis zones. Trevor and Ed also reveal the subtle art of timing your swings, staying wet when it counts, and treating every steelhead encounter like it matters—not just for you, but for the rivers downstream.

Along the way, you'll pick up practical advice: what fly anglers can do to reduce mortality, how to engage with managers and neighbors about river health, and why education and access matter just as much as gear. If you care about fish, fair futures for rivers, and how fly fishing can be part of the solution, this episode lands hard and hopeful.

#818 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818

#817 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/817 

Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort, San Juan Rodworks, Pescador on the Fly, Fish The Fly

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors       

Fly fishing Northern California means stepping into rivers rich with history and wild steelhead, and the Trinity River is one of the crown jewels. Tom Mahan of Swingwater Fly Fishing has built his career on these waters, chasing steelhead the classic way—on the swing. In this episode, Tom talks about why he loves transitional seasons, how grease line presentations and custom furled leaders move fish in clear water, and why the Lower Trinity feels like a "mini BC" when the fall fog sets in. If you're curious about targeting spooky steelhead in light flows, this is a must-listen.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/817