Episodes

6d ago

Fly tying is more popular than ever. With the prevalence of high quality materials and excellent videos showing how to build flies, more fly anglers choose to tie their own patterns than ever before. All of us at Troutbitten have been tying our own flies from the beginning, so we each have preferences for the tools we use. That's what this podcast episode is all about. We discuss the essentials, like vise, scissors and a bobbin, along with some other tools and gear that each of us considers invaluable for tying materials to a hook. The tools come first. And the quality of those tools can either help or hinder the process. This conversation is a lot of fun. My friends, Bill Dell, Dr. Trevor Smith, Austin Dando, Josh Darling and Matt Grobe join me. Resources PODCAST: Troutbitten | Fly Tying and the Complete Angler - S5,Ep2 READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Troutbitten Fly Box Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 7

For this episode, we want to tackle a topic that’s been on our list for a long time — fly fishing myths and misunderstandings. We’re not here to argue about stuff or complain. We just want to acknowledge things that we hear repeated or we see in print or shown in videos — stuff that’s almost assumed as fact, when it’s often not true at all. We do think it’s important to try to clear the air about these myths and misunderstandings, because bad or incomplete information can really lead people down the wrong path. Or an angler might base many decisions about how they fish, where they fish, when they fish or what they fish for based, in part, upon these myths or these assumptions. Most of what we bring up is well engrained into the fly fishing field of knowledge. Basically, most of you out there listening will have heard nearly everything we bring up. Maybe too, you’ll have a different take on things, and some of these won’t be myths to you at all. That’s good. Because you really should trust yourself and your own time on the water more than anyone else. My friends, Bill Dell and Josh Darling join me for a great conversation. Resources PODCAST: Troutbitten | What To Trust - S5, Ep11 READ: Troutbitten | What To Trust READ: Troutbitten | Who Knows Better Than You? Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 30

Devin Olsen has had an immeasurable influence on the nymphing game. Having been embedded in the competition scene for two decades now, Devin knows competition nymphing form the inside. While reading Devin's book and watching his videos, it's obvious that he puts in the work. Instead of slavishly recycling the ideas of others, Devin is a unique thinker and a tireless tester on the water. I've always admired his work. I asked Devin to go in deep about competition nymphing styles, while specifically considering the rules and restrictions imposed on competitors. We consider whether those rules about flies and leader restrictions are helpful or hurtful for the common angler. This is a fantastic conversation. I'm pleased to present my interview with Devin Olsen . . . RESOURCES WEBSITE / FLY SHOP: Tactical Fly Fisher BOOK: Tactical Fly Fisher YOUTUBE: Tactical Fly Fisher READ: Troutbitten | Series | What You're Missing by Following FIPS Competition Rules Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 27

For our State of the Union 2025, my wife, Becky, joins me for a lighthearted look at what's going on in the Troutbitten world. We talk about the upcoming leader sale in the Troutbitten Shop (December 1). We talk about the book, the In Deep series, podcast plans, shop changes, a live podcast event, a Troutbitten Film Festival and the the New Trail Troutbitten beer. Becky and I also read a few listener comments. Resources VIDEO: Troutbitten | In Deep With John Shaner and Dry Fly Leader Design VIDEO: Troutbitten | In Deep - Fishing Simply, With Craig Matthews VIDEO: Troutbitten | Beer and Friends -- Good Times and Good Stories with New Trail and Troutbitten SHOP: Troutbitten | Category | Leaders Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 23

All of us at Troutbitten, along with so many anglers across the country, use a Mono Rig for most underwater presentations. The tight line advantage and the drift control possible for both nymphs and streamers is fun and effective. But a lot has changed . . . Five or ten years ago, most tight line anglers were using a Mono Rig leader build with a butt section thick enough to mimic the functions of a fly line. This is what we call a Troutbitten Standard Mono Rig , and it's a hybrid system. So with good casting form, the leader can push even the lightest flies around -- the line carries the flies. These days, the most popular leader builds have gone to the end of the line, with the thinnest possible tippets and even butt sections that are 5X diameter. These leaders require water haul casts with light flies and major adaptations in form that open up the age old question again -- "Is that even fly fishing?" Has it all gone too far? None of us care much about what you call the tactic. But more importantly, have Mono Rig leaders and tactics gone so far and become so common that these tools and these styles are actually hindering some anglers' growth? And does that really matter? These are the questions we tackle in this podcast episode. My friends, Austin Dando, Dr. Trevor Smith, Bill Dell and Matt Grobe and Josh Darling join me for a great conversation. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig PODCAST SERIES: Troutbitten | Tight Line Skills Series READ: Troutbitten | The Mono Rig, and Why Fly Line Sucks READ: Troutbitten | Design and Function of the Troutbitten Standard Mono Rig Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 16

The spawning process is arguably the most important event of a trout's life. The best trout in the system spawn every year. And as long term anglers, we should understand the process -- not only because we then know how to give trout their space, but because the process is a fascinating look at a fish that we spend so much time chasing. We do not advocate fishing for actively spawning trout. But in many watersheds, it's easy to stay away from the redds and give trout plenty of room by simply understanding the process. That's the focus of our conversation in this episode: where, when and how do trout spawn in a river? This podcast is a follow up to another that we published a few years ago, with E pisode 2 of Season 9 -- Trout Fishing and the Spawn . My friends, Austin Dando, Bill Dell and Matt Grobe join me for a great conversation. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Redd Fish - Should we fish for trout through the spawn or stay home? PODCAST: Troutbitten | Trout Fishing and the Spawn. S9, Ep2 Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 9

Sometimes, the goal is to catch the biggest trout in the river. In those times, what's the best fly to choose? In this conversation, we talk through big trout situations, and we focus on the flies. If you’re really targeting a big trout, when does a streamer seem like the best choice, and what qualities in that streamer help not just get a trout’s attention, but convince them to eat the fly? Likewise, when might a dry fly have the best chance at fooling a big fish? And when is a wet fly or nymph the best choice? Size, shape, weight, color, flash — whether it’s a dry fly, nymph, wet fly or streamer, what are the qualities of a pattern that we have confidence will interest bigger fish? My friends, Austin Dando, Dr. Trevor Smith, Bill Dell and Matt Grobe join me for a great conversation. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Big Trout PODCAST: Troutbitten | Why Do Some Rivers Hold Big Trout? S13, Ep7 READ: Troutbitten | Where to Find Big Trout - Big, Bigger, Biggest Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 2

Craig Matthews is one of the most prominent figures in fly fishing, with a career spanning half a century and an influence that is immeasurable. Making his home in Montana, Craig's fly shop, Blue Ribbon Flies, became an icon as he educated and helped generations of anglers find their way with a fly rod. Craig's many fly creations, like the Sparkle Dun and X-Caddis are in my fly box, and they're probably in yours. Craig also founded One Percent for the Planet , a collection of outdoor retailers, now approaching one-billion dollars donated to preserving and enhancing trout rivers across the country. Craig has authored nine books, the latest of which is titled Pheasant Tail Simplicity. It is a wonderful book that details the mysteriously attractive nature of pheasant tail flies for trout, while also sharing stories and philosophies around a simple approach to this sometimes complicated game of fly fishing. I'm pleased to present my interview with Craig Matthews . . . Resources BOOK: Pheasant Tail Simplicity WEBSITE: One Percent for the Planet PODCAST: Troutbitten | Why We Fish READ: Troutbitten | Simplicity and Fishing Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 26

With this conversation, we're going back to spot burning. In Troutbitten Podcast Season 3, Episode 1, we talked through Secrets and Spot Burning ( March, 2022). And in that conversation we spent a lot of time on the first part — on what fishing secrets really are, whether they’re valuable, fun or just gatekeeping. (They’re valuable, by the way.) And we acknowledged that every angler has their own set of things they might want to be secretive about, whether that's patterns, tactics or . . . spots. In our conversation from three years ago, it was interesting to me when I went back to listen, how much more fleshed out and nuanced my own opinions are now. Back then, I also felt the Troutbitten guys here were pretty much on the same page with everything. But now I’m not so sure. Because over time, not only have my own thoughts become more defined, I know the other guys here think differently as well. So it’s time to revisit the hot button topic of spot burning. What’s the big deal? How does it hurt? When is it okay to name spots publicly? Is it alright if it’s part of a business? And are there different rules? Basically, it’s a wide, wide world out there. And things change quickly, so it might be helpful to talk about spot burning again. My friends, Austin Dando, Josh Darling and Matt Grobe join me for a great conversation. Resources PODCAST: Troutbitten | Secrets and Spot Burning - S3, Ep1 READ: Troutbitten | The Secret VIDEO: Troutbitten | Riverside - A Fisherman's Thoughts On Spot Burning READ: Troutbitten | Respect the Spots, Man! A Fisherman's Thoughts On Friendship and Spot Burning Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 19

We begin Season 17 with a conversation about fishing the 17 year periodical cicada this past summer. We talk about big flies, big water and big trout. For so many of us, it was the rarity of the event -- there’s no other chance for this kind of fishing, right here, in our home waters, for another seventeen years. That’s a big marker in time. Because when you look back that far, it seems like a whole different life. In truth, it’s was a whole different world all those years ago, without high speed internet on everybody’s phones. Think about that. That’s how much changes in seventeen years. So you start to wonder what things will look like in 2042. Who will I be in seventeen years? And you kind of realize that you cannot repeat it again. It won’t be the same. Things will be different. I think most of us see fishing as this thing we do — the trout are always there, the hatches come and go, and we’ll fish the Henrickson’s next year too. We’ll probably be out next weekend to catch a few more trout on streamers, and we’ll start below that big boulder on the outside bend. And for most of us, maybe each fishing trip doesn’t seem all that special. For me, this seventeen year cicada has shown me how rare every moment is. How many more times will I fish with my Dad in the braids? Who knows. Will my sons and I ever get into trout like we did last spring, where we’re all together, and the fishing is fast and fun? Not with the boys at that age. That's a certainty. So as life passes and a trout stream seems to stay mostly the same, we change, our place in life changes, and our friends and family move on too. Strange how an ugly two-inch bug can spark so much reflection and really, so much appreciation for . . . life. This day, yesterday and tomorrow. My friends, Dr. Trevor Smith, Austin Dando, Josh Darling and Bill Dell join me for a great conversation. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Shirt Pocket Fishing VIDEO: Troutbitten | Fish and Film - Post Cicada Blues Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 16

A top-tier river trout is a beast. The inherent nature of a river, with the endless obstacles, rocks, tree parts, current breaks, high gradient runs and undercut banks challenges the angler at every bend. So when you finally hook up with a Whiskey, a new game begins. It’s a match up between trout and fisherman. Who will win that fight? Bringing a trout to the net requires a series of accurate calculations, thoughtful moves and a good dose of luck. But with a few guiding principles and a bit of experience, you can minimize the luck required and get a good handle on the outcome. One of the best of those principles, is to keep 'em down . . . Here's the Article READ: Troutbitten | Fighting Big Fish -- Keep 'Em Down Here's the Category READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fighting Big Fish Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 1

In Deep is a video podcast series for conversations that dive into the details of focused topics -- no fluff, just concentrated, sometimes technical talk from experienced anglers and industry professionals. Our first In Deep guest is my friend, John Shaner. With a career spanning five decades, Shaner has worked for influential companies like Hardy and Cortland, while connecting with seemingly every fishy angler in the industry. Shaner is widely regarded for his technical fly fishing skills and encyclopedic, historical knowledge of both traditional and modern tactics. In this conversation, John Shaner and I go In Deep on dry fly leader design. John and I share a similar philosophy, with just a few individual twists on the overarching principals. Sincere thanks to John Shaner, for a fantastic conversation. Fish hard, friends. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Dry Fly Fishing -- The George Harvey Leader Design VIDEO: Troutbitten | The Harvey Dry Leader -- Design, Adjustment and Fishing Tips John Shaner's Favorite Dry Leader 48'' .019 Chameleon 36” .017 Chameleon 12" .015 Chameleon 8" .013 Chameleon 8" .012 Chameleon 8" .010 Chameleon 8" .009 Chameleon 12" .008 Nylon Tippet 12" .007 Nylon Tippet 12-18" .006 Nylon Tippet 36-60" .005 Nylon Tippet Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 31

Here we are at the end of the Blue Liner's Bible series. And we saved this one for listener questions and some of our own stories. This episode ties up some loose ends and brings it all back home. Because, I think we ended up right where we started, realizing that small stream fishing leads us into everything there is to love about fishing, and maybe helping to teach us some of the most important lessons of all. Wherever you are, wherever you fish, take some time to hike upstream into a narrow, shaded valley. You just might fall in love. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me for a great conversation. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Favorite Small Stream Leader -- Formula, Reasons and Stories VIDEO/ AUDIO: Riverside | Twelve Small Stream Casting Tips READ: Troutbitten | Category | Small Stream Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Tag | Small Stream Fishing READ: Troutbitten | This Is the End VIDEO: Troutbitten | Fish and Film - Mountain Water Memories ARTICLE/VIDEO: Troutbitten | The River Doesn't Owe You Anything Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 24

This one's about using streamers to find the biggest trout in the smallest waters. In previous episodes we worked though locating the right water for small streams. We've talked about dry fly tactics, nymph fishing and now, with episode five in this series, we’re ready to tackle streamer fishing on small streams. Our job for this episode is to highlight the changes we make, or the different strategies we might have, for fishing streamers in small waters vs the bigger ones. We also have a fair discussion about the realities of big trout in small waters. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me for a great conversation. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Favorite Small Stream Leader -- Formula, Reasons and Stories PODCAST: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations Skills Series READ: Troutbitten | Streamers on a the Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Fishing the The Mono Rig PODCAST: Troutbitten | Skills Series: Critical Nymphing Concepts VIDEO/ AUDIO: Riverside | Twelve Small Stream Casting Tips READ: Troutbitten | Category | Small Stream Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Tag | Small Stream Fishing PODCAST: Troutbitten | What to Love About Small Stream Fishing - S7,Ep6 VIDEO: Troutbitten | Fish and Film - Mountain Water Memories Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 17

In this fourth episode of the Blue Liner's Bible, we talk about nymphing on small waters. We discuss when and where we might turn to nymphs, and then we break down the adaptations for different styles. We cover dry dropper, mostly as a nymphing tactic. Then we discuss indicator nymphing and tight line nymphing with a Mono Rig. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me for an important look at the variety of nymphing tactics we use on small waters. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Favorite Small Stream Leader -- Formula, Reasons and Stories PODCAST: Troutbitten | Dry Dropper Skills Series READ: Troutbitten | Dry Dropper Skills Series READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Fishing the The Mono Rig PODCAST: Troutbitten | Skills Series: Critical Nymphing Concepts VIDEO/ AUDIO: Riverside | Twelve Small Stream Casting Tips READ: Troutbitten | Category | Small Stream Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Tag | Small Stream Fishing PODCAST: Troutbitten | What to Love About Small Stream Fishing - S7,Ep6 VIDEO: Troutbitten | Fish and Film - Mountain Water Memories Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 10

We’re here to break down small stream dry fly fishing. We’re tackling dry flies first in this series, because fishing dries on small water puts you in a great position, with the necessary skills, to fish the other disciplines of nymphs, streamers and wets. In this episode, my friend, Austin Dando, and I walk through the gear, the approach, the casting, some philosophies and strategies for fishing dry flies on small streams. This topic is at the heart of the Blue Liner's Bible. It's a great conversation, with a few stories and a lot of information. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Favorite Small Stream Leader -- Formula, Reasons and Stories VIDEO: Troutbitten | The Corner Cast - Why Rounding the Corner Might Be Better Than a Roll Cast VIDEO: Troutbitten | The Lagging Curve Cast - Dead Drifts for Days VIDEO/ AUDIO: Riverside | Twelve Small Stream Casting Tips READ: Troutbitten | Category | Small Stream Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Tag | Small Stream Fishing PODCAST: Troutbitten | What to Love About Small Stream Fishing - S7,Ep6 VIDEO: Troutbitten | Fish and Film - Mountain Water Memories Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 3

We're back with Season 16, with episode two of the Blue Liner’s Bible. This one is all about finding the right water. We mean this in two different ways. First, you need to find a small stream that has public access (or you have private permission). But the stream also needs cold water and a good population of trout (hopefully they’re wild trout). That’s the first thing — find a good stream to fish. And honestly, that may not be as easy as it sounds. If you do start to explore new territory and get into the small stream game, you’ll quickly understand what we mean, first hand, when we say that the exploration is part of the reward. The failure to find good water on one trip makes the next trip, where you find what becomes one of your favorite places in the world, even more special So we’ll talk about that tonight — how to choose your next adventure. Identifying primary and secondary water, and kind of how to balance that risk vs reward. Meaning, you could fish the small stream that everyone talks about in Montana or Pennsylvania, because you can be sure that trout are present in good numbers. But would you rather take the chance on the stream that no one mentions? It has all the variables you’re looking for in your research, and because it has no name, you can be sure no one else will be there Understanding those variables and knowing good sources for research is part of our topic here tonight. And then, the other part of finding good water is from an on-stream perspective. Once you’re there, what section should you choose? And even within that section, what water types should you target the most? Do you expect trout in the deep pools or the riffles, in the fast water, or the slow, shady, deep undercuts? A lot goes into these choices as well. Much of it is seasonal. Some of it is about matching your tactics and your fly choices, and another part is just experience and instinct. Again, all of this stuff is why we love small stream fishing. None of it is laid out for you. A good fly shop will not lead you to these places. And even a good friend, with the best intentions, may not have even half the intel that you really need for a good day of small stream fishing. Like we said last time, the small stream game is do-it-yourself in nature. So, that’s what we have lined up. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me for a good look at finding the right small stream water. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Small Stream Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Tag | Small Stream Fishing PODCAST: Troutbitten | What to Love About Small Stream Fishing - S7,Ep6 VIDEO: Troutbitten | Home Waters Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jul 27

With cold flows and eager trout, mountain water and small stream fishing can provide the perfect setup, the perfect escape, if you’re willing to put in the effort. There are some truly wonderful things about small stream fishing, and learning to work these waters teaches us everything we need to know about fishing any trout water. But the challenges can turn many people off as well. Small stream fishing can be tough. In truth, you cannot fish the same way as you fish an average river. You cannot use the same gear, the same approach or the same mindset and expect to have the same success. Things are different on small waters. So begins the Troutbitten Blue Liner's Bible series. We've had this idea in the works for many years. I've created the rough outline in book form, but let's kick off the Blue Liner's Bible with this podcast skills series. In this first episode, Austin Dando and work through the advantages and disadvantages, the good and the bad, with an honest look at what you can expect from small stream fishing — the challenges and the rewards. And in the following episodes of this series, we’ll talk about water types, gear and tactics. We'll also tell a few stories. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Small Stream Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Tag | Small Stream Fishing PODCAST: Troutbitten | What to Love About Small Stream Fishing - S7,Ep6 VIDEO: Troutbitten | Home Waters Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 22

Welcome to the fourth annual Airing of Grievances on the Troutbitten Podcast. Buckle up. Because it’s time to clear the air about a few things, to complain about some other things and get all the frustrations out in the open. We look forward to this episode every year, because honestly, it’s a lot of fun. I know that listeners anticipate this one as well, and just like last year, we have a bunch of guest grievances to add to the mix. We’re here to complain. Why? Because acknowledging the absurdity of some stuff in the fly fishing world can do a lot of good. And because it’s fun and probably healthy to get things out in the open once in a while. And we start to realize that the stuff that bothers us, seems to bother a lot of other people too. The truth is, we’ve seen a lot of good changes in our industry in the last few years as well. And some of that is about topics that made it into our grievances podcasts three or four years ago. Most people really are being more discreet about spot burning, for example. I think the message is out there, that hey, spot burning isn’t cool, and it kind of shows your inexperience if you do it. I honestly see better angler etiquette out there as well — all the way around. Sure . . . I know, not everywhere. But overall, I think the messages about giving other anglers space, about how to hold a trout and other ethical guidelines are starting to hit home. Good things are beginning to stick. This is the best part of social media and the large community of anglers. The truth is, most people really want to do the right things — or at least, they don’t want to harm others or ruin another angler’s fishing experience. And a podcast like this can really help to give voice to some of the supposedly unspoken or unwritten rules of fly fishing. So yeah, we think that airing of grievances really is beneficial to the overall scene. This all started because most of us are big Seinfeld fans. And part of Frank Costanza’s Festivus holiday is what he calls the airing of grievances, where the whole family sits around the dinner table and lists what they don’t like about one another. “I gotta lotta problems with you people, and now . . . you’re gonna hear about it . . ." Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 15

We talk a lot about our frame of reference in fly fishing. Wherever you get into the game, a lot of your baseline is set by whatever is popular or widely accepted at that moment in time. My friend, Matt Mickey, recently argued that Gen X anglers are uniquely positioned, that this generation has experienced development and had a wide variety of influences that will never be duplicated. We’ve learned through every form of media. We grew up in a time where good information was sparse, and most of us are largely self-taught. So it makes me wonder, will that kind of experience ever happen again? Meaning, fifty years from now, when the twenty-somethings are seventy-something, will they have the same depth of experience? Sure, they’ll have time on the water, but will they be missing some important things? And if, let’s say, modern anglers new to the game are missing some things, is it possible to go back and get them? That's what this episode is all about. My friends, Trevor Smith and Matt Mickey join me for a great discussion. Resources READ: Troutbitten | How To Stay in the Fly Fishing Game for a Lifetime READ: Troutbitten | Life On the Water Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 8

So . . . how was it? How many did you catch? This is always the question for every fisherman, right? Whether I’m talking to my friends about a fishing trip from last week, or as I walked in the door this evening, my wife asked the same question — how many fish did you catch? It’s a fair question. Because that’s the goal out there (usually). We go fishing to catch fish. But the answers we give can also reveal a different story. “Well, I caught eight this morning, but I missed another handful underneath. And when I was fishing dry flies, I had a few refusals. While fishing streamers, another three fish slammed my fly but didn’t eat it. And I lost the biggest trout of the day when he popped off during the fight.” Every angler has these same kinds of stories. So I think we’d all agree that the primary goal out there — the first and most important goal of fishing — is to fool a fish. To make that trout believe that what you’re offering is worthwhile — to trick a trout. Honestly, I think that’s a large part of why most of us choose trout fishing in the first place — because as a species, they're picky and hard to fool. So we convince a trout or make them curious enough to eat the fly (or at least almost eat it). But then . . . as we all know, what happens next is variable. Sometimes we’re late on the hookset, sometimes trout reject the fly at the last second, or maybe the fish wins a quick battle and spits the fly. But all of those incidentals don’t change the fact that we fooled a fish, even though it didn’t end up in the net. We achieved that primary goal. I think everyone here counts fish to some extent. But what are we really keeping track of, and why? I like to say that every fisherman counts. I mean, you know if you catch zero, one or two trout, right? I keep track of things as a measurement of what’s working and what is not. And to me, the stats are a lot more detailed than just fish to the net. What a trout ate, where he ate it, how he took the fly and how was I fishing the fly when he ate it? Those stats matter too. Long ago, while night fishing, I started keeping track of trout caught, trout lost, and trout missed. I still do this, and as I said a few minutes ago, I think most anglers do this to some extent. The count doesn’t need to be perfect or precise. But when we miss a trout, that’s good information, because we fooled a fish. And when we lose a trout, we can be even more sure that we gained their interest. So caught, lost and missed. Why do we catch ‘em. And why do we miss or lose some trout? More importantly, what does that tell us, or how does it inform our next change? That’s what we’re here to talk about tonight. My friends, Matt Grobe, Bill Dell and Josh Darling join me for a great discussion. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Nobody Home, Nobody Hungry PODCAST: Troutbitten | Why Do We Miss Fish, and Why Do We Lose Fish on a Fly? S3, Ep11 Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 1

When you fish long enough, things break. That’s the nature of life, really . . . things fall apart. But if you're resourceful, you put them back together. Sometimes it’s out of necessity. Honestly, a couple decades ago, I simply couldn’t afford to go through gear as fast as it was wearing down, so I learned to patch waders, fix a fly rod, mend a fly line, resole my boots, sew tears in my fishing vest and fix my landing net. Likewise, we’ve all run into those moments on a fishing trip where we need a quick fix for a broken rod tip or a wader patch . . . whatever it is. We all spend a lot of time, money and effort to get to the river and go fishing. But as we all know, even the simplest gear failure can change the day — it can ruin your trip. But by carrying a few things like zip ties, electrical tape, tension straps, Dacron and maybe a sewing kit, field repair or maybe just fifteen minutes spent at the tailgate can save the day. Also, part of a life on the water is the maintenance and preparation — doing what you need to do — to keep your fishing gear stocked, functional and ready to go. Being a versatile angler, like we talk about so much, requires a lot of stuff, and if you don’t think it through and keep on top of it, gear failures can hold you back. That’s what the guys are here to talk about tonight. My friends, Matt Grobe, Bill Dell, Dr. Trevor Smith and Steve Sawyer join me for a great discussion. Resources READ: Troutbitten | All the Things PODCAST: Troutbitten | Versatile Angler - S3, Ep15 Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 25

This episode is all about breakthroughs. For each of us, as a personal account, what have been the biggest changes, or the biggest steps forward, in our fishing? I call these breakthroughs because they're the landmarks or discoveries or changes, along the way of learning, where we can look back and say, “ Now that, really made a big difference. ” We talk a lot about a life on the water. And really, each of us here at Troutbitten has fished for most of our lives. And the truth is, it’s not really been a hobby or a pastime as much as it’s been part of our lives for a long, long time. Fishing fills our thoughts and plans. Other fishermen tend to be our closest friends. All of this means a lot to us. I’ve written articles and the guys and I have talked about how to stay in the fishing game for a lifetime. And we all agreed that the mystery, the problem solving, that active nature of fishing — of making things happen — rather than a passive way of fishing, has been a main driving force behind our long term interest. And precisely because we’re always working on improving, we’re often looking for that next big breakthrough — the next tactic, the next style, the next fly, maybe a leader, the influence of a friend, some other piece of gear, some knowledge about the trout themselves, maybe a new river . . . whatever. And I know as I look back on my own years of fishing, I can put my finger on a half dozen landmarks — things that, for me, changed everything. I’m also constantly searching for that next breakthrough. And that’s where so much of the enjoyment of fishing begins for me. So these landmarks, or these breakthroughs are surely different for everyone. This is another favorite question I ask of new anglers that I meet. I love hearing their stories. So that’s what we’re here to do with the Troutbitten guys tonight. We’re just here to talk. There’s no real tactics here, nothing instructional, just a conversation about some moments in time or the discoveries that have kept us fishing and kept us motivated throughout a life on the water. My friends, Matt Grobe, Bill Dell and Josh Darling join me for a great discussion. Resources READ: Troutbitten | How To Stay in the Fly Fishing Game for a Lifetime PODCAST: Troutbitten | Why We Fish - S13, Ep6 Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 21

For our Season 15 Intermission, my wife, Becky, joins me for a lighthearted look at what's going on in the Troutbitten world. We talk about the upcoming leader sale in the Troutbitten Shop (May 23rd). We talk about the New Trail Troutbitten beer, the upcoming book on Fly Fishing the Mono Rig and a bunch of videos on the Troutbitten YouTube channel. Becky also covers a couple favorite fishing terms near the end. :-) Resources VIDEO: Troutbitten | Fish and Film - Tight Line Tracking, Nymphs in the Wind SHOP: Troutbitten | Category | Leaders Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 18

The trout is prized as a gamefish because it’s picky. It’s selective. Often, it requires a refined presentation to fool a wild trout. And in large part, that’s the draw toward fishing for them. In every region, in every stream, trout habits can differ from others in neighboring watersheds. And across the fishing landscape, we find places and even moments when trout are more picky — more choosy — about what, where and how they want to eat their food. We’ve all seen fishing change in just a few minutes. We’ve happened upon bite windows, or periods of time with trout feeding more regularly, where we happen to have the right fly and the right presentation to meet the preferences of those fish. Likewise, we’ve all had a good thing going, where we’re catching trout quickly, and it all just shuts down. So there’s a lot to this idea of selectivity. And in this episode, we dig into what makes a trout selective. The quick answer is the theory that angler pressure makes trout more picky. There is no doubt about it. For sure, our fishing, our presentations educate the already picky trout what not eat, where and when. But many other reasons for selectivity are natural. Meaning, they have nothing to do with anglers fishing for trout. These factors, like low water, stable water temperatures and the prevalence of one easy food form, can also make an already picky, tough to catch fish, even tougher. This is a good topic. My friends, Matt Grobe, Dr. Trevor Smith and Austin Dando join me for a great discussion. Resources PODCAST: Troutbitten | Angler Pressure ONE - What it Does to the Fish - S7, Ep1 PODCAST: Troutbitten | Angler Pressure TWO- What it Does to the Fishing - S7, Ep2 READ: Troutbitten | We Don't Want Easy Fishing Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 16

There are two ways to tell the experience of an angler: how he holds a fish and how he keeps his secrets. The latter is probably more important. A seasoned angler intuitively understands the vulnerability of a river. Spot burning is a real thing with real consequences. Good anglers understand this concept. Good people understand this concept. Every piece of river is someone else’s favorite place. So we respect the spots — for others, if not for ourselves. Here's the article: READ: Troutbitten | Respect the Spots! A Fisherman's Thoughts on Friendship and Spot Burning Here's the Riverside Video on YouTube VIDEO: Troutbitten | A Fisherman's Thoughts on Friendship and Spot Burning Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 11

Let’s talk about fishing big rivers. For the most part, all of us here at Troutbitten are river anglers, meaning not much stillwater. Furthermore we’re mostly wade anglers. We spend most of our time wading rather than floating, because we enjoy it, and because in a lot of cases, wading gives us the best chance for success. But over the years I’ve noticed some misunderstandings about where and how we fish. I hear from a lot of reader, listeners and watchers of Troutbitten stuff. And one thing that frequently comes up is an assumption that all of our waters are small to medium sized. But that’s not true. Each of us spends plenty of time on big rivers. We all have our favorite rivers outside of this region. We’ve all traveled. And even around here, we have opportunities to fish big rivers. So, what’s big? I’ll say a big river is one that you could float. And it’s probably the kind of river where you can’t wade all of it. So we’re here to talk about fishing big water. In previous podcasts, we’ve spent some time talking about specific tactics and strategies for fishing small water, so let’s do the same for big rivers. Each of us has a few tricks and some plans for getting the most out of a big water trip. We’ve made the mistakes, and we’ve all shared among ourselves how we eventually learned to not only manage big water but have some of the best days of the season. I always say that fishing big water and fishing it well takes a lot of discipline. We talk about all of that and a lot more in this podcast My friends, Matt Grobe, Bill Dell, Austin Dando and Josh Darling join me for a great discussion. Resources VIDEO: Troutbitten | Reading Water in Levels, Lanes and Seams READ: Troutbitten | Never Blame the Fish READ: Troutbitten | Fishing Big Water -- One Key Tip Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 4

We spend a lot of time thinking about tactics and working on techniques. We devote our energies toward finding fly patterns, tying up our confidence flies and testing new flies. We research new waters and explore unfinished sections in familiar waters. We spend a lot of time doing fishy things. This is a life on the water. The guys and I have been talking a lot about reading water. It’s one of the biggest deficiencies we see while guiding — just choosing the right piece of a river for your next cast. It's about understanding what water should receive the most attention and what water gets gets a pass. As an angler, reading the water really comes down to understanding what a trout needs. We read water for depth, speed and structure, in reference to what a trout prefers. And when we talk about reading water, we’re thinking about it all from an angler’s perspective. If you’re kayaking down a river for recreation, then how you read water will be pretty different. Everyone can pick out hydraulics and learn to read current seams. Those are the elementary building blocks of reading trout water. Then we take that knowledge and combine it with what a trout needs. And we eventually have a truly specific, knowledgeable approach to reading a river. Day to day, across the world, wherever trout live in rivers, creeks and streams, their needs are the same. My friends, Matt Grobe, Bill Dell, Dr. Trevor Smith and Austin Dando join me for a great discussion. Resources VIDEO: Troutbitten | Reading Water in Levels, Lanes and Seams PODCAST: Troutbitten | Reading Water, and Cherry Picking vs Full Coverage S1, Ep6 READ: Troutbitten | Reading Water - Finding the Invisible Potholes Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 27

Here's a topic that starts with an interesting question: What puts more trout in the net? Is it knowing your water or knowing your tactics? Of course, the easy answer is . . . both. Refine your skills and learn your rivers. Then put all of that together, and you have a great formula, not only for catching trout but for having a lot of fun. The truth is, as frequent anglers we’re always involved in improving. It goes way beyond filling the fly box with new patterns. We know our deficiencies, and we’re working to fix them. We also know you can only really tackle one thing at a time. So if you’re out there fishing, or maybe even on the way to your next fishing trip, what are you working on? Really, what will put more fish in the net? Is it better to focus on the tactics and techniques, or is it better to learn the river itself? Basically, that means reading water better and finding fish. So we’re looking forward to this discussion. It’s a good concept, and we all have some opinions. My friends, Matt Grobe, Bill Dell and Austin Dando join me for a great discussion. Resources PODCAST: Troutbitten | How Woodsmanship Catches Fish - S11, Ep6 VIDEO: Troutbitten | Reading Water in Levels, Lanes and Seams READ: Troutbitten | Read Trout Water READ: Troutbitten | Fish Familiar Waters Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 25

Here are twelve tips for delivering a fly into waters that are heavily canopied, with greedy branches, ready to grab your fly and make life difficult. The best small stream fishing happens in these places. We call it brush fishing. Learning to cast a fly on small streams forces an angler into proper form. There is no forgiveness, and every error comes with consequences. But the reward is there. Small streams demand real accuracy. We learn to punch the fly under limbs and around tree stumps. And we learn to finish the cast with intentional placement of the leader, most often with slack, sometimes laying the line over a log, rock or gravel bar. Small stream trout are often forgiving, but the environments are not. The brush demands our full attention and excellent form. Here's the VIDEO version of this podcast: VIDEO: Troutbitten | Riverside -- Twelve Small Stream Fly Casting Tips Here's the ARTICLE : READ: Troutbitten | Twelve Small Stream Fly Casting Tips Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 20

Across the country, there are rivers, creeks and streams stocked by the state, often referred to as put and take (they put trout in, you take them out). And especially early in the season, opportunities for stocked trout can be a solid choice. Other places stock fish under catch and release regs or delayed harvest. Also, some rivers, for various reasons, cannot support wild trout populations and they are entirely reliant on hatchery trout. In other places, it’s a mix of wild and stocked. Troutbitten has always been primarily focused on fishing for wild trout. Because most anglers would more often choose a wild or natural experience over a manufactured one. So I use the word, experience, because not only are stocked fish produced or raised in a hatchery, once they’re in the river, the experience of fishing for stockies is usually pretty different than fishing for wild trout. And that . . . is what we want to talk about in this conversation. In other podcasts, we’ve already talked a lot about the value differences between wild vs stocked trout. We’ve gone through the hierarchy of river trout, as we put it. So upon that foundation, in continuation of those discussions, let’s talk about how our approach changes when the trout are stocked and not wild. Let’s think about water selection, patterns, strategies, and the other things that make fishing for stocked trout more successful. What changes and what is different compared to targeting wild trout? My friends, Matt Grobe, Bill Dell and Trevor Smith, join me for a great discussion. Resources PODCAST: Troutbitten | Wild vs Stocked - The Hierarchy of River Trout READ: Troutbitten | When Fishing For Stocked Trout, It May Not Pay to Be Ambitious READ: Troutbitten | Natural vs Attractive Presentations - Convinced or Curious Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 14

What's your favorite fly rod? This most frequently asked question now has its answer in the Troutbitten Riverside Series. Riverside is a place for sharing and presenting stories and articles from the Troutbitten website. And one of the most popular articles at Troutbitten has been about the qualities to look for in a rod well suited for the Mono Rig. This past winter, I wrote the manuscript for my upcoming book, Fly Fishing the Mono Rig. And I adapted the fly rod article into a full chapter for the book. And as I was finishing that chapter, I knew I wanted to present this as a Riverside video. Here it is . . . Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Best Fly Rods for the Mono Rig, Tight Line and Euro Nymphing — My Favorite Rods VIDEO: Troutbitten | RIVERSIDE: The Best Fly Rods for the Mono Rig Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 30

This season has been all about options for moving the streamer. Our focus has been on the animations available to attract and then sell the trout on the streamer presentation. In this season finale, we talk about river scenarios and share some tips and strategies that help tie all of the previous episodes together. We discuss the following: How different fly designs suggest fishing them different ways Should all streamers have flash? How to adapt to big rivers Discipline in approach and following through Are trout attracted by randomness in the presentation or turned off by it? How to adapt when we know big trout are in the area Does matching the baitfish type matter? Blending presentation styles How to convert trout that won't commit My friend, Austin Dando, joins me for a great discussion. Thanks to everyone out there who supports the Troutbitten Project. Your enthusiasm for this endeavor and your kindness are always appreciated. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Cross Current Strip READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations - Quick of Smooth READ: Troutbitten | Cover Water, Catch Trout Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 23

The tight line dance is another collection of movements to the streamer loosely grouped together into a system or framework for covering many water types and gaining reactions from the trout. It's all about taking the advantages of a tight line, Mono Rig system to the streamer game and using contact to control every aspect of the streamer's course through the river. We use a visible streamer for the tight line dance. We watch the streamer dip and swoon around rocks, tree parts and the river bank. Wherever there's good structure, that's the next target. The concept of the tight line dance allows us to hold the streamer around structure for longer, animating the streamer in every way imaginable to convince the trout. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me for a great discussion. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Tight Line Dance READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations - The Super Pause Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 16

With episode seven of this Troutbitten Skills Series, we’ve finally come to the point where we’ve covered all the different ways to move a streamer and give it some animation. Now it’s time to put all of that together. This whole series has been about what motions might sell the presentation. Because how we move the streamer fools the next trout. And there’s such a wealth of options that it can be very helpful to break things down into individual parts. So we talked about jerk strips, glides, slides, speed leads, lane changes, jigs and head flips. We’ve talked a lot about the position or orientation of the fly in the water. Is it drifting with the current, crossing currents or swinging against them? Is the streamer near the surface or is it deep? And within all these animations, are we moving the fly quick or smooth, and are the motions long or short? Now, for the last three episodes of this streamer presentations skills series, we’re ready to talk about putting a group of these animations into a system, a mindset, or a framework for fishing your streamer. In this episode, we introduce the concept of the Crossover Technique, which is all about getting the streamer low in the strike zone and then animating it within a narrow range, being careful not to move the fly out of the strike zone or move it too far. It’s a really fun presentation style, if you can get your brain around the small, often minor animations necessary. The Crossover is also extremely effective, and it results in a much lower refusal percentage than most streamer tactics. So, we can go out and choose only to swing flies or to strip them cross current — or to slow slide, jerk strip or jig. The point is, each of the presentations we talked about in the previous episodes stands alone as a great way to show the streamer to a trout. But we also like to spend time combining these presentations — because it’s fun. Because fishing streamers like this is a creative, fluid process of working with what the river gives you and adapting to new situations, moment after moment. So the real trick with something like the Crossover is to be disciplined enough to stay within your framework while also using your creativity. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me for a great discussion. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Crossover Technique VIDEO: Troutbitten | Fish and Film -- Crossover Shifts READ: Troutbitten | How Big of an Ask? Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 9

Speed leads happen mostly in one lane, and they go faster than their parent current. Lane changes are exactly what they sound like — the fly is traveling in one lane, and then we deliberately bring the fly over to a nearby lane and travel down that one. The speed lead is a term coined by our friend, Josh Stewart. Way back in 2017, I published a few articles about low-riding streamer presentations , with streamers tied on lead ball jigs. I’d gotten the idea from Rich Strolis, and it was a bit of an underground thing at the time. I remember that Stewey got in touch after reading my article, and we started sharing ideas and presentation styles with some of these flies. When I described leading low but faster than the current, Josh said he called it a speed lead, and it was one of his best tactics for stirring up big trout. The Speed Lead is a big part of what we do with streamers. It's another animation to mix in while reading and working the water, searching for the best way to present the streamer. Lane changes are the perfect compliment for a speed lead. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me for a great discussion. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Speed Lead READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Endless Retrieve READ: Troutbitten | Troutbitten Fly Box -- The Jig Streamers Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 2

We've covered many animations in these series. We’ve talked about the streamer head position and its direction, about cross current movement vs holding one lane. We've covered jerk strips, glides, slides, fast, slow, quick or smooth, we talked about drop rates and a lot more. And now, we're here to talk about one of the most basic movements performed on any fly, lure or bait — jigging. Moving the fly up and then letting it drop — it’s such a simple motion that it might seem silly to spend much time on the topic. But like so many other good things in fishing, jigging is a world of its own. And there are, in fact, a multitude of variables to consider and to play with. In this episode, we talk about angle, depth and speed of the jig, cross current or one current jigs, free falls or pendulum drops, and more. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me for a great discussion. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- Jigging the Streamer READ: Troutbitten | Troutbitten Fly Box -- The Jig Streamers Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 23

This steamer presentation is what streamer anglers probably do most — swinging the flies. From what I see on the water, what I read in articles and watch in videos, I think it’s fair to say, swinging is a pretty popular look. But it’s also fair to say that swinging is what we do the least. I think part of that is regional. Swinging streamers is a good tactic. It’s not our preferred method, but that might not matter to you and to the trout in your waters. That’s kind of the point to this whole Streamer Presentations series — I think it’s best to be armed with a wide range of tactics — or presentations. Try them all, and then let the fish decide. I mix in swings every day that I fish streamers. I give swings a chance. Sometimes a swing suits the moment better than anything else. And sometimes I let a slow slide or cross current strips finish out below me, allowing tension to change the head angle, and I finish by letting the fly swing out. Swinging is arguably the easiest presentation on a streamer. That also might make it the most relaxing. It’s a great way to cover a lot of water, and it’s an easy way to stay in rhythm. We get more refusals with a swing than with most other tactics. We also average smaller trout to the net. That might have a lot to do with a swinging presentation being more attractive than natural. And when we do get a solid take on a swing, clean hooks sets can be challenging and we’re in a bad place to start fighting a good fish. My friend, Austin Dando, and I cover all of that and more in this episode. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Natural vs Attractive Presentations PODCAST: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout - Swinging and Drifting Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 16

For us, streamer fishing is best when we actively and intentionally move the fly. But with glides and slides, our animations are often subtle, because sometimes these are the most natural or convincing looks. Rolling the bottom, gliding mid-current along a knee-deep riffle or slow-sliding off the bank — all of these maneuvers are just as enticing, and they catch just as many trout as flashy retrieves (sometimes). But we tend to forget them. Or rather, we might not have the discipline to stay with an understated look for very long, because the modest stuff isn’t as exciting — maybe it’s not as much fun either. Gliding the fly is drifting it downstream in one current. Sliding the fly starts with a glide and then brings it across currents. My friend, Austin Dando, and I dig into all the possibilities. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Deadly Slow Slide PODCAST: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout - Swinging and Drifting Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 9

The Head Flip is a pivot. It’s a simple change of the streamer's head angle, from down and across to up and across, or from upstream to downstream. This pivot doesn’t necessarily move the fly out of its area, but the motion might seem pretty dramatic to a trout. The Head Flip shows trout an opportunity for an easy meal, and it might signal a moment of vulnerability. It's one of our favorites animations to a streamer. We Cover the Following What it is and why it works Best water types Angles to change Best lines and leaders Best flies Depth Speed Combining the Head Flip with other animations And much more . . . Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Head Flip VIDEO: Troutbitten | The Head Flip Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 2

The ability to move the fly with the rod tip and not just the line hand is a fundamental skill that opens creative options for the streamer angler. Almost two decades ago, Kelly Galloup’s first streamer book changed the way anglers thought about moving a streamer. All these years later, the jerk strip isn’t just one way to move the streamer. It’s a technique for using both hands, in concert, synchronized, for presentations that are impossible to achieve any other way. Move the fly with the rod tip and then recover with the line hand. In this way, the Jerk Strip sets the table for everything else to follow in this Troutbitten Skills Series on Streamer Presentations. We Cover the Following Angles, speeds, cadence Depth and distance Fast vs smooth Flies and fly rods Troubleshooting the mechanics Jig Strip, Glide Strip, Twitch Strip Good slack and bad slack Strip sets and hook sets And much more . . . Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- Jigs, Jerks and Strips VIDEO: Troutbitten | The Jerk Strip -- Streamer Presentations Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jan 26

This season is a ten-part Troutbitten Skill Series, all about Streamer Presentations. We've been looking forward to this one for a long time. We spend a lot of our time dead drifting dry flies and nymphs. But with streamers, we’re trying to make them look alive . Instead of no motion, we move the fly. And this is exactly why we love to fish streamers. Because we get tired of dead drifting. And we love to think about everything we can do with a streamer to make a trout eat the fly. A lot of angler say that streamer fishing is salesmanship. That's a great description of the process, because we need to convince the fish that what we’re offering is worth the effort. But how do we sell it? What are the animations? What are the things we can do with a long fly, to make it look like a baitfish, like a crayfish, a sculpin, maybe a small trout or a fall fish? This Skills Series will highlight a number of these ways to move the fly. We’ll talk about the Jerk Strip, the Head Flip, Jigging, Speed Leads, Lane Changes, the Crossover Technique, Swinging, Drifting, Gliding, Sliding and more, with dedicated episodes for each. But, what can we control? Within all of those different presentations, what are the elements that make up a Head Flip, for example? How deep is a streamer during a slow slide? How fast is it going during a Speed Lead? While swinging or drifting, what elements can we adjust and which ones are actually out of our control. Covering those elements is our goal with this first episode on Streamer Presentations. We’re here to put some details around the things we can control on a streamer. Head Position (the direction of the fly) Depth Speed And whether we’re holding one seam or crossing seams Notably, we won’t talk much in this series about flies or even lines and leaders. Because the point is, you can get these motions, these presentations on a wide variety of lines — sinking line, floating line or a Mono Rig. You can use short leaders, long leaders, poly leaders or standard. You can fish it all. But the real question with streamers . . . is how do you want the fly to move? The joy of streamer fishing is that everything works sometimes. Trout respond to many kinds of presentations out there, and trying to dial that in is a fun way to spend your day. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- Jigs, Jerks and Strips PODCAST: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- All About the Head of the Fly Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 23, 2024

We're talking about how to shorten your time at the tailgate or the trunk. Just get your waders on, your boots laced, and get to the river. It should be as simple as that, but it’s not uncommon for anglers to waste a half hour or more just getting ready to go fishing. Most anglers hate this wasted time. In fact, all of this preparation just to go fishing puts a lot of anglers off in the first place. And the colder it is, or the longer you plan to be out there fishing, or the more tactics you plan to use the more all of this pre-trip prep is required. We want a system for minimizing the time between cutting the car engine to walking away from the vehicle with our fly rod in hand. Basically, we all just want to go fishing. And the other stuff holds us back. The full Troutbitten crew is here with me tonight. I’ve fished a lot with every one of them, and I know first-hand that they get out of the starting blocks pretty fast. Resources READ: Troutbitten | All The Things READ: Troutbitten | Tip - Don't Rig Up at the Truck VIDEO: Troutbitten | Splitting The Rod Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 16, 2024

We're here to celebrate ten years of Troutbitten. December 8th was the tenth anniversary of the first article ever published on Troutbitten. All those years ago, I never expected this Troutbitten business — this media company — to become what it is. Honestly, I had no intentions other than to write and publish stories about fishing, simply because I love the process of writing and I enjoyed fishing. I like being creative. In this episode, we talk about history and upcoming plans. Where has Troutbitten been, and where are we going? We’ reflect on the past, take a look at where we are in the present and talk about some ideas and plans on the horizon. This whole project has defined my life and career for the last decade, and I know that each of the guys here has their own connection in their own way. The Troutbitten guys join me, along with the Troutbitten OG, Sloop John B. Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Last Good Island PODCAST: Troutbitten | A Troutbitten Glossary PODCAST: Troutbitten | This is Troutbitten Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 8, 2024

This discussion is about the differences between trout species. How are the habits of brown trout different than rainbow trout? Where do brook trout tend to hold and feed vs brown trout? What about cutthroat? Do they have different tendencies or habits than their counterparts? Because the habits of these trout are different, our target water changes too, as do our fly patterns and our approach. The guys from the Troutbitten crew join me for a great conversation. Resources READ: Troutbitten | How To Handle A Trout PODCAST: Troutbitten | Strategies for Fishing Low and Clear Water Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 4, 2024

For our Season 13 Intermission, my wife, Becky, joins me for a look at what's going on in the Troutbitten world. We talk about the upcoming leader sale in the Troutbitten Shop (December 6th). We talk about upcoming podcast and video plans, books, fly rods and more. Resources SHOP: Troutbitten | Category | Leaders Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 1, 2024

I fished for two decades before I finally realized that not every river, not every creek or stream has big fish. For most of my early days of fishing, I thought there was a different class of fish in some of my favorite waters that I simply never encountered. And I liked to think that if I fished certain ways at certain times, I would finally catch those fish. But many years later, after more experience and after finally fishing all of the ways that are supposed to help you find the biggest fish — night fishing, streamer fishing, etc. — I also met many like minded anglers and became friends with enough obsessed fishermen whose stories and accounts I could trust. And I realized, no one catches big trout out of some of these waters. Why do some rivers hold big trout? This is a topic that has come up between all of us on long drives, around the tailgate, and on long walks along the riverbank. Why is it that some rivers just do not have any size to the fish, and then, maybe just the next valley over, not only is the average size larger, but the top tier fish is bigger too? We're here to talk about it . . . Resources READ: Troutbitten | Wild vs Stocked -- The Hierarchy of River Trout PODCAST: Troutbitten | The Hierarchy of River Trout PODCAST: Troutbitten | Why We All Love Big Trout Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 24, 2024

Tonight we’re here to talk about why we fish. It’s a simple question. Why do we commit so much of our free time and efforts, our thoughts and our daydreams . . . to fishing? Why, after all these years, do we keep coming back? Why, when we could do hundreds of other things — with three hours on a weekday evening or every daylight hour on a Saturday, from dawn to dark — why do we choose to lace up the boots and string up the fly rod? In all the seasons of this Troutbitten podcast, we’ve often said that fishing, for us, isn’t about hoping to get lucky out there. It’s about making something happen. And surely, the act of fishing is a wonderful draw. But as I talked with the Troutbitten guys a few days ago about this topic of why we fish, it was clear their most important answers really didn’t have that much to do with the actual fishing. So what we’ll talk about tonight are more of the intangible qualities of fishing. It’s what I think many anglers imagine when they decide to pick up a rod and venture into the woods. Yes, all of us are quickly captivated by the details, the flies, the flows, and the tactic necessary to catch trout. But perhaps for most anglers, it’s that elusive, almost transcendental experience that draws us in today, yesterday and tomorrow. And it’s the same natural pursuit that brought us all down to the water from the beginning. We’re here to talk about it. Resources READ: Troutbitten | How To Stay in the Fly Fishing Game for a Lifetime READ: Troutbitten | We Wade READ: Troutbitten | Lost Fishing Friends Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 17, 2024

We’re halfway through Season 13, and tonight we have a discussion that’s been on our backburner for quite a while -- barbed hooks or barbless, and does it really matter? Should we always fish barbless? Maybe not. The answer isn’t that simple. So the Troutbitten guys are here for a conversation and a few thoughts about barbs on hooks. Each one of us has fished for long enough that we’ve used both barbed and barbless flies. We’ve also used barbs on lures and bait hooks, because we all grew up fishing in different ways. Some anglers who jump right into the fly fishing game — especially for trout — are exposed to a another sentiment. So their reference points are different. And like anything else, what might seem almost outlandish to one person can seem like no big deal to another. So . . . barbed hooks or barbless? And does it really matter? Resources READ: Troutbitten | Are We Taking the Safety of Trout Too Far? READ: Troutbitten | Category | Catch and Release Safely READ: Troutbitten | Fight Fish Fast READ: Troutbitten | Nymph Hook Inversion and the Myth of the Jig Hook PODCAST: Troutbitten | How To Handle a Trout - S1, Ep2 Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 10, 2024

Every angler needs a set of flies to call their own. Among the thousands of patterns, options and choices out there, eventually, we sort out a handful of confidence flies. Our faith in these flies gives us conviction when choosing them and tying the knot. We’ll fish THIS fly in THIS water. That’s what will catch the next trout. And if it doesn’t, then we’ll change something — maybe the water type, maybe the presentation, maybe the rig. Or maybe we’ll reach for the next confidence fly. Some anglers have a dozen go-to flies. Others might have fifty patterns, and some carry just a few. But a good set of confidence flies is adapted for the angler, for their water, for their season and their preferences. Most importantly, these flies catch trout. But how do we find the right flies? How do you find your confidence flies? That’s our topic for tonight, season 13, episode 4. The Troutbitten guys join me to break all of this down. Resources READ: Troutbitten: Category | The Troutbitten Fly Box READ: Troutbitten | Troutbitten Confidence Flies -- Seventeen Nymphs READ: Troutbitten | Pattern Vs Presentation Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 3, 2024

What's right and wrong? That's what ethics really boils down to. Certainly, there are nuances about how much space to give other anglers on the river or how long we should hold a trout out of the water for a picture. But doing the right thing and being an ethical angler is probably best achieved by asking ourselves one question: Does this action makes things better or worse? And are you helping or hurting the woods, the water, the fish and other anglers? The best ethics probably happen when no one is looking. And holding ourselves accountable to do the right thing is a reward based in the satisfaction of self-discipline. There is no handbook for ethics in fishing, of course. And much has been written and discussed on the topic through the years. In this podcast episode, the Troutbitten crew holds a philosophical discussion about ethics in fishing. It's not a list of concrete examples or rules. It's an interesting, thought provoking conversation. Resources PODCAST: Troutbitten | The Ethics of Guiding -- More Harm Than Good? READ: Troutbitten | Category | Catch and Release Safely READ: Troutbitten | A Fisherman's Thoughts On Spot Burning Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 27, 2024

The Troutbitten guys are here to talk about two flies. Why do we fish two dry flies, two streamers, wets or nymphs? Why don’t we? Why might we fish with just one fly instead? Multiple fly rigs are a common solution to fishing problems, but extra flies on the line can certainly create more issues than they solve. The one or two fly debate, across fishing styles -- this is our topic. What works, when and why? What’s the upside? What’s the downside? Resources READ: Troutbitten | Tangle Free Tandem Rigs READ: Troutbitten | Q&A: Why Do Multi-Nymph Rigs Tangle, and How to Avoid It READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 20, 2024

The full Troutbitten crew is back for season thirteen. In this fall and early winter season, our theme is casual conversations. After three years of podcasting, we've recorded many episodes that go deep into the weeds on one specific topic. We've also dedicated full seasons to the Skills Series format, where a topic like night fishing or tight line nymphing is broken into multiple episodes to try and cover it well. But this season, we're ready to hit record and just riff on a topic. For episode one, our topic is . . . Why do we catch trout in patches? Because when we get to the end of the day, we often look back to remember catching three trout in one spot, then nothing for a while. Maybe we missed two and landed five in another spot. We had three at the best undercut bank and another handful at the tailout . . . but in between, there were often long periods of inactivity. Why is that? That's our topic for episode one. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Find Feeding Fish READ: Troutbitten | Cover Water, Catch Trout READ: Troutbitten | Cherry Picking vs Full Coverage Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Sep 15, 2024

For this final episode in the dry fly skills series, we work through some scenarios that anglers frequently encounter. Because, just like nymphing, fishing streamers and fishing wets, we fish dry flies for many different reasons and in many different ways. We addressed some of this in episode one, and in this final episode, we complete the bookend by thinking about how things layout and going through some strategy and thought processes. Now that we’ve spent a good bit of time on leader design, fly selection, casting, building in slack, we consider these four scenarios: Head Hunting Fishing Terrestrials Small Stream Stuff Working a Hatch My friend, Matt Grobe, joins me to put a cap on this Dry Fly Skills series. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Dry Fly Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Two Ways to Spat a Terrestrial Dry Fly READ: Troutbitten | Twelve Small Stream Fly Casting Tips Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Sep 8, 2024

In the last couple of weeks we talked a lot about choosing the next fly, when to change, and what informs our decision about what to change to — basically, how do we develop that next theory about what fly, water type and presentation style we want to test. Last week we talked about watching how trout are rising to naturals, how they are taking our fly or even how they’re rejecting it. That information goes a long way. It’s often the predominant factor for choosing an appropriate fly style — a low rider, an emerger or maybe one that rides high and rolls on the surface. So when you fish long enough, you start to notice these kinds of details, and like anything else worth pursuing, you realize that there’s an endless world of data out there for you to pick up on. The trout are telling us a lot — even by not rising. We learn by not catching trout too. If you get a great presentation in a spot that you know holds trout, but no trout eats it . . . fair enough. And you start to consider the next adjustment. It’s all a lot of fun when you realize that good fishing isn’t luck. It’s attention to detail with an open mind and a willingness to dive into the mystery. This podcast is all about rise forms and hook sets. My friend, Matt Grobe, joins me for this discussion. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Dry Fly Fishing PODCAST: Troutbitten | Set The Hook! All About Different Hook Sets READ: Troutbitten | Hook Set Direction -- Downstream Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Sep 1, 2024

Here we are at the part of the season where we address everybody’s favorite question — what fly are you using? We’ve argued for years that the leader is the most consequential element in the system — much more important than the fly. That said, the fly must be reasonable . Most anglers are so focused on the flies because it’s the easiest thing to change. We’re quick to blame the pattern. And it’s a lot easier to clip off one fly and tie on another than to really break down your approach, your cast and your dead drift. The better approach is to perfect those elements and then . . . maybe change the fly. I carry a box of dry flies, just like I carry a box of streamers and a box of nymphs and wets. The flies matter. But more than anything, it’s about matching the moment, the water type, the lifecycle of the bug - and even the wind conditions. For us, those conditions -- those situations -- dictate our next fly choice. We don't guess on patterns. Instead, we think about things, develop a theory and test it with the next fly choice and (hopefully) a great presentation. My friend, Matt Grobe, joins me for this discussion. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Dry Fly Fishing VIDEO: Troutbitten | The Perfect Parachute Ant READ: Troutbitten | When Should You Change the Fly? Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 26, 2024

Our discussion here is about casting dry flies, and that’s where all good fly casting starts. With a dry fly, there’s no weight at the end of the line to help us out. No split shot, no tungsten bead, conehead or bobber. Refining the dry fly stroke truly teaches us what the fly rod is built to do. Ten and two. Acceleration and crisp stops between two points. Pause and allow turnover to happen. Feel the rod load and watch it all happen with the fly line in the air. Once you have that timing, your baseline is set, and you can take that same stroke to any rod angle, punching the fly around and laying things out just how you want them with a few adjustments. Good mending is setup by good casting. Put the two together, and you can feed slack to a dry fly for perfect drag free drifts. Having command over all of that . . . is a lot of fun. My friend, Matt Grobe, joins me to for a great discussion on casting and mending dry flies. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Dry Fly Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Ten and Two READ: Troutbitten | Put More Juice in the Cast READ: Troutbitten | Five Tips for Better Mending Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 18, 2024

For our Season 12 Intermission, my wife, Becky, joins me for a lighthearted look at what's going on in the Troutbitten world. We talk about the upcoming leader sale in the Troutbitten Shop (August 21). We talk about the New Trail Troutbitten beer, the event and the video. And we talk about the Fish and Film series on YouTube. Becky and I also answer a bunch of fun questions from listeners. Resources VIDEO: Troutbitten | Fish and Film - One Morning For Versatility VIDEO: Troutbitten | Beer and Friends -- Good Times and Good Stories with New Trail and Troutbitten SHOP: Troutbitten | Category | Leaders Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 11, 2024

The leader should match the moment and match the angler. It should match the fly, the river and the wind conditions. Adjustments are necessary, and when they're performed often enough they become intuitive. An objective look at real goals for the dry fly, along with the true capabilities of the leader materials at hand, will lead anyone down the path toward a great leader formula for dry flies. While many anglers might consider the leader as an afterthought, we believe the leader is the most consequential element in the system. The leader always matters, but it’s most important while trying to achieve dead drifts with a dry fly. My good friend, Matt Grobe, joins me to discuss dry fly leader design. Like me, Matt looks for every opportunity to fool trout at the surface. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Dry Fly Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Dry Fly Fishing -- The Forehand and Backhand Curve VIDEO: Troutbitten | Casting Forehand and Backhand READ: Troutbitten | The George Harvey Leader Design VIDEO: Troutbitten | The George Harvey Dry Fly Leader -- Design, adjustments and tips READ: Troutbitten | That's Not a Dead Drift VIDEO: Troutbitten | Real Dead Drifts -- Up Top and Underneath Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 4, 2024

The drag free drift -- a high percentage of the time, that’s what catches trout on top. So aiming for perfection on a dead drift sets the baseline. And if you get those great drifts, but they won’t eat it, try some animation. Think slight, small and subtle for those movements to the fly, and you just might fool some trout that are keyed in on motion. Everything works sometimes. So we’re ready to try anything. But we spend the most time with tactics that produce with the highest rate of return. That’s just common sense. Whatever fly you're fishing, whatever bait, lure or fly you’re presenting across the spectrum of fishing, it pays to watch the food form you’re trying to imitate. In this case, watch how a mayfly rides on the water. Set up and watch rising trout for a while, and see if they’re eating caddis that are dapping and skittering, or if they’re eating something unseen, perhaps just under the surface. Also, get close to the water and see how a carpenter ant or a hopper behaves once it’s made the mistake and found itself on the water. How do these bugs move, and how do the trout respond? Imitate that with your fly. My friend, Matt Grobe, joins me for this second episode in our dry fly skills series. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Dry Fly Fishing READ: Troutbitten | That's Not a Dead Drift VIDEO: Troutbitten | Real Dead Drifts -- Up Top and Underneath READ: Troutbitten | Dry Fly Fishing on the Mono Rig Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jul 28, 2024

Season twelve begins. It’s a seven-part skills series dedicated to dry fly fishing. My friend, Matt Grobe, joins me to build the framework — a method and a system — for presenting dry flies to trout. In this first episode, we ask when and why we fish dry flies. What’s the reason we might choose to fish dries over streamers, wets or nymphs? We argue that dry flies are the heart and soul of fly fishing. The visual aspect is fun and exciting. And the pleasures of top water fishing should not be missed. Also, presenting dry flies is what makes fly fishing unique. And learning the skills to cast a dry teaches you everything about what a fly rod can do. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Dry Fly Fishing READ: Troutbitten | If You Can't Fish Dry Flies, You're Missing the Point Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thank You to Pre-Roll Ad Sponsors: Skwala and Orvis Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 21, 2024

Prospecting is a strategy for covering water. It’s about pace. A lot of what we do, day to day on the water, is searching. We’re looking for activity. We’re trying to find feeding fish. Sometimes we’re looking to find the fish themselves, and other times, we know the trout are there, but they won’t eat, so we’re faced with the choice to change tactics or change flies . . . or we can move on and look for the next opportunity. All of that can fairly be called prospecting. But for this discussion, we want to think about how covering water and looking for the players — for the hungry ones, is a unique strategy. It’s a lot different than settling in over risers or even working a hundred yards of some pocket water with nymphs. The truth is, we’re searching for something on every cast, no matter what our approach is. But what we call prospecting is a bit different. It’s about canvassing an area, casting a wider net, searching for that next fish and then the next one. Then we take that data about where and how trout are feeding, and we use it to inform our next decision. Often we might dedicate a whole day to prospecting. And on other days, it’s a prospecting approach that helps us dial in the rhythms of trout. So we’d like to find where trout are feeding and what they’re feeding on most. Then we might sort of change gears to a more targeted approach and do the opposite of prospecting. Resources PODCAST: Troutbitten | Cover Water, Catch Trout PODCAST: Troutbitten | Cherry Picking or Full Coverage Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 16, 2024

The third annual Airing of Grievances on the Troutbitten Podcast has arrived. Some of this is playful and some is serious. Complaining’s not a bad thing if it accomplishes something productive -- or if it’s kinda fun. Or if it draws attention to some of the absurdities around you. Some things need to change. Because there are plenty of influences and influencers leading us all down a road to nowhere, or really, to a place that loses the depth of this fishing experience — of what we love about the woods and the water in the first place. So let’s be a voice for that stuff too. Let’s complain a little more against those things that are pulling us all in the wrong direction. Keep fishing fun. Keep it pure. Keep it a simple match between fish and a fisherman, surrounded by mystery and embedded with the wild, unpredictable nature of the outdoors and everything it holds for us. Whatever you believe, take a stand for it. That’s what we try to do here with the Airing of Grievances. Resources PODCAST: Troutbitten | The Airing of Grievances (One) PODCAST: Troutbitten | The Airing of Grievances (Two) Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 9, 2024

There are many different ways to set the hook while fly fishing for trout, because there are many different ways to fish for those trout. One size does not fit all. So we adapt our hook sets to suit the situation. In this episode, we cover what is meant by a trout set. We address the differences between hook sets for dry flies, wets, streamers and nymphs. We talk about setting distance, setting speed, setting direction, whether we should pause before a hook set, and many other broad and finer points about setting the hook. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Set the Hook at the End of Every Drift READ: Troutbitten | Don't Guess -- Set the Hook and Set Hard READ: Troutbitten | Hook Sets Are Not Free Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 2, 2024

Here's a story about the solitude that so many of us seek on the water — how the full experience of planning for a trip, driving before dawn, walking in and exploring a river valley provides a respite from our daily life. It’s a chance for a clear mind and for renewed energy. "The Further You Walk, the More You Leave Behind" is about what we recover when we commit to full days and long distances, and how even after we return, we are changed. In this episode I also share information about the New Trail Troutibtten beer and the release event on June 29th. I also announce the next Troutbitten Live Stream event on YouTube, which is Wednesday, June 5th at 8:00 pm, EST. Our guest is Tom Rosenbauer. Our topic is stocking and club water. I also ask for emails to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission supporting their efforts to stop stocking over wild trout. Here is the information for that: Resources READ: Troutbitten | Be a Voice for Wild Trout -- Your Most Effective Conservation Measure is Also the Easiest ** Send the Pennsylvania Fish Commission a simple email of support for eliminating stocking on wild trout waters. ** ADDRESS RA-pfbcregulations@pa.gov READ: Troutbitten | The Further You Walk, The More You Leave Behind Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 26, 2024

We're here for a tough conversation. This one's about fishing the pay-to-play setup of a club. These are the troubles with club fishing . . . One club leads to the next. One private stretch invites another down the road. So clubs lead to the loss of public water for the average angler. And that’s not good. The manufactured fishing scenario of most clubs can teach anglers the wrong things, with easier fishing that does not translate well outside of the clubs. That then leads to unrealistic expectations or even a generous self-assessment of one’s skills. But why does that matter? Because anglers begin to favor easier fishing and (often) stocked trout scenarios. All of this feeds into the hatchery trout system, and that’s something this country should be moving away from wherever possible. Stop stocking over wild trout. This really should be our universal message, anywhere that wild trout can thrive. But how many clubs deliver that message? Let’s be honest about it — very few. Not all clubs stock fish, and not all clubs are a bad choice. But in short, we believe things can be better. This is an important episode. Please pass it around. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Posted - Club Fishing - 2065 READ: Troutbitten | Wild vs Stocked -- The Hierarchy of River Trout In Pennsylvania PODCAST: Troutbitten | S1, Ep4 -- Wild Trout or Stocked -- The Hierarchy of River Trout READ | Troutbitten | Tags | Wild Trout Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 18, 2024

There's an intangible quality built into the best anglers. It's about being comfortable and natural around the water. It's about having an instinct and a guiding intuition on a river that informs decision without even giving it much thought. It's an innate knowledge of the environment and what will happen next. Knowledge of the woods, water, weather and the trout comes together with ease and adds up to something that is hard to identify. In this episode, we call it woodsmanship, outdoorsmanship, riversmithing and being river smart. Some might just call it being fishy. Regardless of the word to identify this quality, it's something every angler wants. This episode is about what it is and how to attain it. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Fish Hard READ: Troutbitten | It's All About Time on the Water READ: Troutbitten | Life on the Water Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 12, 2024

We're here to talk about floating down a river, about why we like boats, how floating is so much different than wading, how some opportunities are uniquely available and how others are shut off too. It’s the companionship and teamwork, along with the effort and commitment required to get down the river. It’s about a good lunch and friendly banter as much as the novel approach to tactics and the pure advantage of accessing more water. From the put in to the take out, boating changes everything. It’s a wonderful way to learn a river and to connect with friends. Resources READ: Troutbitten | We Watched Daylight Race the River Downstream READ: Troutbitten | Slow Float Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 5, 2024

Like anything else in fishing, you can take the emerger concept just about as far as you want. You get technical, or you can spin up a couple wet flies, float them in the film, and keep things simple. I’ve often argued that you don’t have to match the hatch when fly fishing. I think it’s a fun approach, but having exactly the right shade of dubbing to match the most prevalent insect is rarely necessary. Most often, you can fish caddis imitations during a mayfly hatch and do pretty well, because there’s a lot more food in a river than what our eyes see at the surface. But we don’t ignore the hatches either. Far from it. In fact, we look forward to these events, anticipating the response from the trout, observing their behaviors day to day, and often using flies and tactics that imitate the emergence. From the bottom to the top, when the bugs transform from water born to airborne, meeting them with an emerger often sells the presentation. Our conversation in this episode covers those emergences. Resources READ: Troutbitten | You Don't Have to Match the Hatch PODCAST: Troutbitten | Night Fishing and the Mouse Emerger Concept PODCAST: Troutbitten | Category | Dry Fly Fishing Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 27, 2024

My friends join me for a tough discussion. What are the benefits of guiding? What are the good things? How does it help anglers? Does it actually help people and make our sport or this fishing scene better, or does it just put money in the guide’s pocket and put more pressure on the trout? Also, what kinds of guided trips are there? Different types of guided trips are offered across the country. Some cater to the first timer, introducing new anglers to the fly rod. Other trips feature education first, with a strong focus on refining the tactics for more experienced anglers. Many guides sell the river itself. Others sell trips by promising big trout. Some guide for clubs with stocked and fed fish, sometimes catering to lodges with clients that are not anglers, but vacationing guests where fly fishing is just another highlighted activity. When does guiding trout water do more harm that good? There are no right or wrong answer to all of this, but we’re here to work through a few things — to think about all of it and to have the conversation that others might avoid. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Respect the Spots! A fisherman's perspective on friendship and spot burning READ: Troutbitten | Fish Hard PODCAST: Troutbitten | Angler Pressure TWO -- What It Does to the Fishing Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 21, 2024

Two years ago we did a full episode on Hatches . That discussion was a broad, overarching look at how the bugs — the insects that trout eat — dictate many of the habits of trout. We argued that knowing the hatches, following the emergence and being ready for these events is not only a lot of fun, it drastically improves your success on the water. Trout don’t miss the hatches, and neither should we. At the same time, none of us here think the pattern matters all that much — usually. While we all admit that a color change or certainly the fly size can make a big difference, we all agree that what a trout eats most frequently is a great presentation. This episode is about those presentations. We consider the full life cycle of a caddis: the pre-hatch, the emergence, the egg laying phase and death. And at each of those stages, we ask what the bugs are doing, how the trout respond and how we can imitate the bugs to fool a trout. Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 14, 2024

How many times have we heard the supposed stages of an angler? First you want to catch a fish, then you want to catch a bunch of fish, then you want to catch a big fish, then you want to catch the toughest fish, and then you just want to catch a fish again. This is a clever way to look at a life on the water. But is it really true? This is our topic. We also expand on some other stages that anglers go through, and we think about the beginning stage — why it’s so hard at first, how anglers get held back, and how, sadly, the majority of anglers probably never get a whole lot further than those early stages. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Life on the Water READ: Troutbitten | Two Sides to Every Fishermen READ: Troutbitten | The Dirty Fisherman READ: Troutbitten | How to Stay in the Fly Fishing Game for a Lifetime Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 7, 2024

I was happy to be a guest on the Untangled Podcast with Spencer Durrant. We talked mostly about Nymphing tactics for beginners. We also talked a little about a fishing life and the fly fishing industry. You can listen to that full episode here in the Troubitten Podcast feed Follow the Untangled Podcast hosted by the Venturing Fly Company YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/AWoagPJ0JPc?si=EjXoavzV8pGg9NEI Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 13, 2024

In this interim episode, Becky and I look back on what has happened in 2024 so far, and we set the table for what’s to come. We talk about Patagonia, videos, articles, podcasts, livestream podcasts, one-on-one sessions, hosted trips, guide season, the next Troutbitten Leader Sale and a Troutbitten beer. Thank you for being part of this Troutbitten community. Resources READ: Troutbitten | One-On-One Virtual Skills Sessions READ: Troutbitten | The First Troutbitten LIVESTREAM Podcast On YouTube Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 25, 2024

Here we are with our final installment, part seven of our series on critical nymphing concepts. Almost all of our focus throughout this series has been on achieving dead drifts. We aim for natural looks that imitate what the real bugs do most. So we try to stay in one lane, we try to find the right speed and the right depth. Most of the articles on Troutbitten about nymphing also assume we’re aiming for dead drifts. It's the same with the videos. Why? Because dead drifts usually work best. But in this episode, our topic is getting something other than a dead drift. How can we add animation to a nymph that seals the deal? Something that either grabs a trout’s attention and attracts it to the fly . . . or the chosen animation actually mimics something natural that the real bugs are doing at the moment. We spend so much time refining presentations and trying to achieve perfectly natural dead drifts that moving the nymph a bit, animating the fly, is liberating. It’s fun. But moving our nymph at random, moving it accidentally or relabeling drag as enticing motion doesn’t work so well. Stripping or swinging a nymph like a streamer doesn't work so well. More often, subtle motions add an extra spark to the presentation. These are mostly additions to a dead drift, and not a full abandonment of the dead drift principles we try so hard to achieve. This is our topic for part seven, this season finale. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Crossover Technique READ: Troutbitten | The First Troutbitten LIVESTREAM Podcast On YouTube READ: Troutbitten | The Big Rig -- The Two Plus One -- Two Nymphs and a Streamer READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Super Pause READ: Troutbitten | Natural vs Attractive Presentation Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 18, 2024

This episode is about tension and slack. It's about how we manage fly lines and leaders on the water while nymphing. Remember, each of these episodes — all of these concepts — apply to all styles of nymphing. So we might choose to lay line on the water with an indicator rig (and sometimes mend it) just like we might choose to float the sighter with a tight line rig. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me to walk through the tight line advantage of keeping line off the water and what happens when we give that up. Fishing greater distances often requires laying line on the water, and how we manage that line, how we plan for it, makes all the difference between a great drift and a poor one. Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Tight Line Advantage Across Fishing Styles PODCAST: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing the Mono Rig -- Versatility and The Tight Line Advantage Taken Further READ: Troutbitten | Fly Casting -- Five Tips for Better Mending VIDEO: Troutbitten | The Hop Mend READ: Troutbitten | Regarding Classic Upstream Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | You Need Turnover Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 11, 2024

This discussion is all about weight. It’s the fundamental factor in nymphing. Because as soon as you choose to leave the surface, once you clip off the dry fly and fish anything else . . . weight is necessary. Even wet flies have some weight. They’re designed not to float but to break the surface with at least the weight of the hook. With streamers, of course, weight is required to get the flies to whatever depth is necessary — and we do that with all types of weight, whether that’s a sinking line, split shot or weight built into the fly. Then of course, with nymphs, we need weight, just like streamers, to get the flies to some kind of depth and actually fish them. You can’t avoid it. Weight is the fundamental factor. Meaning, it’s probably more important than the fly itself. More weight or less is more consequential than what dubbing, feather or ribbing is wound around the hook shank. We use all types of weight, and there are good reasons for all of these: tungsten beads, split shot and drop shot. Our topic is how each of these weight choices, along with the decision for more or less weight, helps us match river situations and meet the trout with a presentation they're looking for. This is a technical topic that is built on many Troutbitten resources that have come before it . . . Resources READ: Troutbitten | No Limits -- Use Every Type of Weight Available PODCAST: Troutbitten | Weight In Fly Fishing: Beads, Shot, Sinking Lines and More READ: Troutbitten | Series | Drop Shot Nymphing on a Tight Line Rig VIDEO: Troutbitten | Don't Hate the Split Shot - Have a System READ: Troutbitten | Pattern vs Presentation READ: Troutbitten | Split Shot vs Weighted Flies Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 4, 2024

This episode features what might be the most important concept of nymph fishing. There are three different ways to present a dead drifted nymph to the trout -- three ways to imitate what trout commonly see from the naturals. While trout eat dry flies in one plane (the surface) the complexity of currents underneath introduces more difficulty, simply because trout might be looking for food in multiple ways. My friend, Austin Dando, and I break down one of my favorite topics in fly fishing -- the three ways to dead drift nymphs: bottom bouncing, strike zone rides and tracking the flies. All three of these methods are viable. All of them produce. A nymphing angler dedicated to improving should consider what level to focus the presentation and how those nymphs might best look natural within that level. This is a technical topic that is built on many Troutbitten resources that have come before it . . . Resources READ: Troutbitten | Nymphs: Three Ways to Dead Drift: Bottom Bounce, Strike Zone Rides, Tracking PODCAST: Troutbitten | Locating the Strike Zone -- Tight Line Skills #6 READ: Troutbitten | The Water Column and the All-Important Strike Zone READ: Troutbitten | Drop Shot Nymphing Series READ: Troutbitten | Tight Line and Euro Nymphing: Leading vs Tracking vs Guiding the Flies READ: Troutbitten | That's Not a Dead Drift Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jan 28, 2024

In the third part of this critical nymphing concepts series, we consider the advantages and disadvantages of fishing with a suspender. We cover the following Indicator styles and why the type matters Not all indicators are created equal Choosing tight line or indy, or combing both What you lose by adding and indy What you gain by adding an indy Complications of an indy style What is commonly missed when using an indy Reading an indicator A few more tips . . . Resources READ: Troutbitten | It's a Suspender, Not Just an Indicator PODCAST: Troutbitten | Nymphing Tight Line to the Indicator Style -- Tight Line Advantage to the Indicator READ: Troutbitten | The Backing Barrel Might Be the Best Sighter Ever READ: Troutbitten | Tight Line to the Indicator -- a Mono Rig Variant READ: Troutbitten | Your Indicator is Too Big READ: Troutbitten | The Dorsey Yarn Indicator -- Everything You Need to Know and a Little More Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jan 21, 2024

In this second episode of our Critical Nymphing Concepts series, my friend, Austin Dando, and I walk through the idea — the concept — of having more influence or less over the flies. Meaning, who or what is in charge of the nymphs? Is it you or the river? And do we want to have more influence over the flies or less? What looks more natural? Which choice — which method — fools more trout? We cover the following What is influence and what's in charge of the nymph's path? Does less influence look more natural? How weight and tippet diameter relate to influence. Why taking dry fly principles to the nymphs underneath leads to big mistakes. How slack hurts or helps the drift. The principle of slipping contact. Good and bad things about more influence. Good and bad things about less influence. Better systems for each method. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Tight Line and Euro Nymphing: Tracking the Flies PODCAST: Troutbitten | #7, Nine Essential Skill for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing | Guiding the Flies READ: Troutbitten | Tight Line and Euro Nymphing: Leading vs Tracking vs Guiding READ: Troutbitten | Slipping Contact -- Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | Tight Line Nymphing With an Indicator READ: Troutbitten | Your Indicator Is Too Big Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jan 14, 2024

This Season Ten skills series is about the critical concepts of nymphing. In seven episodes this season, we're covering the what and the why of nymphing. The techniques we work on are physical skills necessary to get great drifts and fool fish. But these nymphing concepts are about putting a reason behind everything we do. Why do we make the changes? How do we adapt to meet the preferences of trout for the moment? This is the other side of the coin. And once you put all of this together, you have a full picture of what it takes to regularly catch trout on a nymph. Importantly, these concepts apply to all nymphing styles, tight line, indicator or otherwise. Episode One covers the three most important questions in nymphing. My friend Austin Dando joins me this season to walk through these concepts. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Three Nymphing Questions to Solve Any Problem PODCAST: Troutbitten | #1, Nine Essential Skill for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing | Angle and Approach READ: Troutbitten | The Water Column, and the All-Important Strike Zone READ: Troutbitten | When Drifting Low Isn't Low Enough Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 24, 2023

For this final episode of Season Ten and of 2023, we wanted to have some fun. In this episode we walk through a bunch of Troutbitten . . . terms, words, sayings, phrases . . . and talk about what all of this means. Let’s call it a Troutbitten glossary. If you’re lucky enough to have your own group of long-time fishing friends, then I’m sure you have your own phrases too — your own idioms and ways of talking about things. It’s all a lot of fun. Long-time listeners understand what it means when Austin says he could have caught a lot more trout — if he really wanted to. Most of you also understand what it means to play bartender for a friend, and you know how many inches a trout should be to fall under the Troutbitten classification, Whiskey. Our lingo is part of the Troutbitten culture. Here we go . . . Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | History PODCAST: Troutbitten | The One With Sloop, Stories with a Fishing Friend S7 Ep12 PODCAST: Troutbitten | Fishing Buddies S5 Ep12 Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 17, 2023

We’re here to talk about bad habits — things that aren’t personal style but just bad form. These are bad habits that come with a consequence. These are, quite simply, mistakes. And in every case, there’s a much better way to do things. We meet anglers from all over the country and the world, we often see these bad habits from good anglers. And inevitably, these are some of the key things that hold people back from going further — from catching more trout. These are deal breakers -- bad habits that come with consequences, and habits that, once changed, open up new avenues and better opportunities. Our intention here is to be helpful and not critical. We want to point out some of the worst habits that we see most often — the mistakes that a lot of good anglers still make and that hold them back. And these are mistakes — it’s almost right and wrong. I always say there are no experts in fly fishing. So we are not experts. But all of us here are experienced. In fact, we’re experienced enough to have gone through many of these bad habits on our own and have corrected them. Our goal is to share a few of these habits and highlight what might go unnoticed by a pretty wide segment of our friends. Resources READ: Troutbitten | All the Things PODCAST: Troutbitten | The Inefficiencies that Waste Your Fishing Time - S3,Ep2 READ: Troutbitten | How Many Effective Fishing Minutes? Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 10, 2023

This one is about taking photos and videos on the water, about camera gear, about keeping that gear safe but available, and even a few tips on taking a good fish selfie. Photography is something that we see most anglers get into, at least a little bit. I’ve often described the fish selfie as the grand compromise of catch and release fishing. We don’t kill the trout and take it home to show it off to friends anymore. But we do want to share some of the best trout and our most memorable situations on the river. So we take photos and videos. We plan for these trips, we look forward to them, we tie flies, we think about leaders, buy gear and read books about the region and the tactics. And when we finally get our boots in the water, we want to document these experiences — especially when the stars align and something remarkable happens. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Fishing With a Camera READ: Troutbitten | All the Things PODCAST: Troutbitten | How to Handle a Trout, S1 Ep2 READ: Troutbitten | Their Heart in Your Hands Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 3, 2023

Some favorite rivers meander and roll through stunning scenery and enchanting tracts of wilderness. And most trout fishermen quickly realize that the pursuit of wild trout takes them into some of the most beautiful valleys on earth. But some other favorite rivers run through towns or behind old factories. Maybe they’re paralleled by a highway or narrowly channeled by railroad tracks on either side. These places can be just as special, just as meaningful and treasured, for what they hold — for what they teach. All of our favorite rivers have made an impact on who we are as a person — not just as an angler. Because, for so many fishermen, a home water is precisely that — a home. A place to rest. A place to seek comfort and rejuvenation. These rivers are places to share with those we love . . . or to seek an adventure alone. Our favorite rivers are as integral to our experience as the rods, leaders, lines and tactics. They define our fishing, and they become part of our lives. In this episode, we share some history with these places and discuss what connects us to these moving waters. Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Secret READ: Troutbitten | Right Here PODCAST: Troutbitten | What to Love About Small Stream Fishing S7 Ep6 PODCAST: Troutbitten | Secrets and Spot Burning S3 Ep1 VIDEO: Troutbitten | The River Doesn't Owe You Anything Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 27, 2023

This episode is a conversation about tight line leader styles. We share what we like best, what works for each of us and what does not. This is Part Two for the podcast that we two weeks ago, titled, “Tight Line, High Stick, Euro Nymph, Mono Rig -- What's the Difference and How Did We Get Here?” While that first episode laid out a history of tight line tactics, this conversation is focused on how we use these leaders. How do we fish the different leader builds for tight lining? What are the advantages and disadvantages of Standard, Thin and Micro-Thin Mono Rigs? What can we do with each of them? My friends join me for a great discussion, full of deep experience and strong opinion. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Beyond Euro Nymphing PODCAST: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing the Mono Rig — Versatility and the Tight Line Advantage Taken Further READ: Troutbitten | Design and Function of the Troutbitten Standard Mono Rig VIDEO: Troutbitten | Mono Rigs and Euro Rigs -- Micro Thin or Standard? READ: Troutbitten | Thin and Micro-Thin Leaders for Euro Nymphing and the Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | The Full Mono Rig System — All the variations, with formulas and adjustments READ: Troutbitten | What You're Missing By Following FIPS Competition Rules Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 19, 2023

Here we are in the middle of season nine, and we’re doing something a little different. This is like an intermission between sets. My wife, Becky, is here, and we’ll catch up on a few Troutbitten things, like updates to the Recommended Gear page and the upcoming fall leader sale. I also have a listener email to share that really gets to the heart of what we all love about being out there on the water. And then, I read one of my favorite Troutbitten stories from the archives. It’s titled, Coffee and Secrets , and I think it strikes at a similar sentiment about the intangible motivations that keep us involved in a fishing life. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Recommended Gear SHOP: Troutbitten | Leaders READ: Troutbitten | Design and Function of the Troutbitten Standard Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Coffee and Secrets READ: Troutbitten | Some Days are Diamonds, Some Days are Rocks Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 12, 2023

Over the years, nymphing has grown up a bit. There's more information, more styles and more a cceptance of those styles than ever before. While nymphing was once seen as that thing you did when trout wouldn’t eat dry flies or wets, more anglers than ever choose nymphing first — as their go-to method for catching trout in all seasons. Because nymphing provides a unique complexity unlike anything else in fly fishing. And anglers who are dedicated to the craft take particular joy in seeing their refinements pay dividends. All that is to say . . . nymphing is fun. And in large part, what makes it fun is the control that is gained through tight line tactics. Indeed, the popularization of contact nymphing systems coincides with the popularity and the surge of nymphing among the community. One of the most frequent requests we receive is for a full breakdown on the differences between the tight line styles. What is euro nymphing, and how is it different than the Mono Rig? Can I tight line with a fly line and a shorter leader? Is that called high sticking? What are the key differences between Polish, Czech, French and Spanish nymphing styles? And how does a thinner or thicker tight line leader help or hurt my presentation? Troutbitten has become synonymous with the Mono Rig. And while each of us at Troutbitten spends lots of time with traditional leaders and fly lines, we all enjoy the benefits gained from tight line tactics when fishing underneath the surface. In this episode, Austin Dando and I walk through the differences between all of these styles. We provide some history and think objectively about how far the tight line game has come. And next week, the rest of the guys will join us to talk about the strengths and weaknesses, the advantages and disadvantages of what we call the standard, thin and micro thin mono rig leaders. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Beyond Euro Nymphing PODCAST: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing the Mono Rig — Versatility and the Tight Line Advantage Taken Further READ: Troutbitten | Design and Function of the Troutbitten Standard Mono Rig VIDEO: Troutbitten | Mono Rigs and Euro Rigs -- Micro Thin or Standard? READ: Troutbitten | Thin and Micro-Thin Leaders for Euro Nymphing and the Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | The Full Mono Rig System — All the variations, with formulas and adjustments Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 5, 2023

Sometimes, an angler's love for gear becomes more important than the fishing itself, until the goal becomes a bigger collection of fishing gear instead of a collection of good fishing experiences. We’ve all seen this out there. And sometimes we have to actively fight that urge to want the next thing or believe that our deficiencies on the river can be solved with more gear. The truth is, too much stuff gets in the way. Simplifying our approach, our fly selection and gear selection, usually wins. It can also make for a happier fisherman who feels like they know their tools and have confidence in their techniques. But, having a few extra rods and reels is good too. And researching, planning for and then buying your next piece of gear is a fun process that can be inspiring. It can motivate you to get back to the river quickly and put your new stuff to the test. All things in moderation, right? So part of our conversation in this episode is focused on the gear — the stuff you don’t need to have great days on the water, the stuff that might hold you back far more than help you out. But another part of this episode is less tangible. Because it’s not always what we buy and stash in a fishing pack that gets in the way. Because, over time, it’s too easy to focus on finding the perfect water. Or we can look too hard for ideal weather and fishing conditions. Even the pursuit of some miraculous presentation can get in the way of our enjoyment and our progress. For most anglers, our time on the water is often so limited that it’s easy to get wrapped up in all the daydreaming and planning, until gear acquisition syndrome creeps in. And then our time on the water is spent finding reasons that we need something else or the next thing. The truth is, your best approach is to take the modest gear you own, hit some of the closest trout water you can find, and fish it hard. That’s what wins. And that was this podcast conversation is about. Resources READ: Troutbitten | All the Things READ: Troutbitten | Patience vs Persistence READ: Troutbitten | Fish Hard Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 30, 2023

How do we handle tough days? How can we turn it around and start catching fish? When the going gets tough, how do we fix it? What are the strategies? So, most things don’t turn out the way you had them planned. That’s life. But as you’re driving the dirt road toward your favorite trout water, thoughts and plans unfold in your mind. And while preparing for a destination trip, you expect success. Once you’re finally traveling halfway across the country to that river you’ve wanted to fish for decades, visions of the trout you’ll catch take over. Your hopes and dreams of what will end up in the net are a primary motivator. And, aside from the fish, you might even be enthusiastic about a new fly rod, a new pair of waders or maybe an experimental leader that you tied up. For all of this, and for the fishing itself, we expect success. We assume the positive. Because, as my friend Rich Alsippi loved to say, "the fisherman is eternally hopeful." Good anglers are optimists. Why? Because fishing is filled with so much failure that anyone who stays in the game learns to look on the bright side, to see beyond the fish count, to get past tangled tippet, broken reels, lost flies in a tree and soaking wet clothes from falling in — again. Things go bad out there. A trout river forces you into mistakes. And sometimes, the fishing is just tough. Trout don’t want to eat. So you try everything you planned for. You know what should work, and you’ve fished it. But when it doesn’t . . . what do you do? That’s what we’re here to talk about tonight . . . Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Fisherman Is Eternally Hopeful READ: Troutbitten | The Best Laid Plans of Fishermen often Go Awry READ: Troutbitten | Fish Hard Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 23, 2023

This conversation is about spawning trout. Specifically, we tackle the ethics of fishing during the spawn, whether it’s right or wrong to fish for trout that are actively in the process of making the next generation of trout. Moreover, where do these ideas of what’s ethical or not come from, and why are the expectations confusing for a lot of anglers? Is it okay to be on the water while trout are spawning, or should we simply stay away during the spawning season and let trout do their thing? We branch out into different trout species, and we highlight how different regions, different rivers and different setups might require a different approach. This topic can get a little contentious. Anglers have strong opinions about this, one way or another, and for many people there’s not much middle ground. We’ve covered this topic before, in a couple Q&A sessions in different podcast seasons. But this topic deserves its own podcast, and it’s been on our list for a long while. Trust me when I say that none of us are here to tell you how to fish or when to fish. But this topic is one that each of us has given a lot of thought to over the years. We’ve also seen anglers have a change of heart, and we’ve been around to witness some heated disagreements about this topic too. READ: Troutbitten | Are We Taking the Safety of Trout Too Far READ: Troutbitten | Redd Fish -- Should We Fish Through the Spawn or Stay Home? READ: Troutbitten | Fish Hard Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 15, 2023

Everything changes. That’s the only constant. And in the fly fishing world, the tactics, the gear and how we share all of this information changes, even though what the trout eat and how they eat it pretty much stays the same. That time frame, that snapshot, from where you entered the fly fishing world, shapes what you do on the water. And it’s amazing what just twenty calendar years does to that snapshot. Because a lot of your understanding about what is common, accepted or frowned upon is shaped right away, as you start researching and learning about this fishing thing that eventually becomes a big part of your life. In this episode, my friends and I consider this topic: How have the tactics changed? How has the gear changed? How has the flow of information changed? And how has all of that changed the way we fish for trout? Resources READ: Troutbitten | All The Things READ: Troutbitten | Fishing with Friends READ: Troutbitten | Angler Types in Profile -- The Rookie Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Sep 24, 2023

In this six-part series we’ve covered locations, water types, weather, water and light conditions. We’ve talked about the gear, about flashlights and headlamps and glow in the dark stuff. We’ve considered what a good night plan looks like, having a strategy and then adapting. Tactically, we’ve talked about drifting vs swinging flies, about three levels of the water column, about where to expect trout might feed the most after dark, and we’ve walked through top water patterns, emergers and streamers at night. This week, we’re finishing the series with nymphs, wets and the Harvey Pusher Night flies. We discuss rigging and tactics for each of these fly types, where to fish them and how our presentations might differ at night from what we do in the daylight. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Night Fishing READ: Troutbitten | The Harvey Pusher Night Fly (with VIDEO) READ: Troutbitten | Find Your Rabbit Hole READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- The Wiggle and Hang READ: Troutbitten | Drop Shot Nymphing on a Tight Line Rig Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Sep 17, 2023

This is the episode you’ve all been waiting for. Tonight, we talk about fishing the top water. And yes, that means mouse patterns — sometimes. We also dig into a fly style that we feel is often more effective, the mouse emerger concept at night. And we talk about fishing streamers after dark. We cover the effectiveness of many different top water and streamer styles. And we discuss how the emerger concept combines the best of both fly platforms. We get into our favorite patterns and how we fish them. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Night Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Death Drift READ: Troutbitten | Of Mice and Fishermen READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- You're Gonna Need a Bigger Rope PODCAST: Troutbitten | Night Fishing and the Mouse Emerger Concept Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Sep 9, 2023

All fishing trips benefit from a good plan, and most of us couldn’t stop planning, hoping and dreaming about an upcoming trip if we wanted to. Our night fishing plans are a good beginning. Aimed toward solving the mysteries after dark, these plans are formed around expectations and based on the conditions. Where are the trout, and how are they feeding? Building flexibility into our plans helps solve these questions. It’s our willingness to adapt, to walk around the bend, to work upstream instead of down or to clip off the top water pattern and rig up for wet flies -- that's what helps answer questions and put trout in the net. Trusting our instincts is the first part. And following through — making the changes — is the second. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Night Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- Location, Location, Location READ: Troutbitten | What to Trust READ: Troutbitten | Who Knows Better Than You PODCAST: Troutbitten | An Introduction to Night Fishing for Trout -- S3, Ep14 Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Sep 3, 2023

We night fish with many different fly types: surface patterns, mouse emerges, streamers, wet flies, nymphs and Harvey Pushers. And all of these flies can be presented in two very different ways — drifting and swinging. There’s a lot of variety within these two categories. There are many ways to do both. And every fly type may seem to have its best or most effective presentation, drifting or swinging, but when that’s not working, the first and easiest thing to do, before changing the fly type, is to simply change the direction the flies are fished, from swinging to drifting or vice versa. Drifting is fishing the flies with the current. Swinging is fishing the flies against the current. In this episode, we consider the differences between the two and the advantage of each. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Night Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Death Drift READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Deadly Slow Slide READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- Drifting and Swinging Flies READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- Backstory: Drifting and Swinging Flies PODCAST: Troutbitten | An Introduction to Night Fishing for Trout -- S3, Ep14 Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 27, 2023

In this second part of the Night Fishing for Trout Skills Series on Troutbitten, we consider light. First the naturals, like moonlight and starlight, then we discuss city lights and other artificials, like our own flashlights and headlamps. Lastly, we’ll discuss the use of glow-in-the-dark stuff, like fly lines, indicators and more. I'm joined by my night fishing friends, Austin Dando, Trevor Smith and Josh Darling. Night fishing always comes down to what we can see and what we can’t. Of course we use our other senses. And yes, those senses are heightened, and we often rely on feel more than our limited sight in the relative darkness. But it is not pitch black out there, especially when we attain and then preserve good night vision. So we navigate the evening from shadows and outlines, pitching unseen flies beyond the visible perimeter and tracking those flies through the feel of a line in our hand, by sensing the load on our rod tip and by sometimes following something that glows in the dark. Light affects the fishing, but it also affects the fish. And while trout seem to prefer darker nights, they might also feed better with a few stars in the sky for a nightlight. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Night Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- Moonlight, Starlight and City Light READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- Headlamps, Flashlights and Glow in the Dark Stuff PODCAST: Troutbitten | An Introduction to Night Fishing for Trout -- S3, Ep14 Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 20, 2023

This season is a skills series about fishing for trout after the sun goes down. And for the next six episodes, we’ll break down the night game into an outline that roughly follows the topics of a series that I published on Troutbitten, titled, Night Fishing for Trout . My night fishing friends are joining me for this episode -- Josh, Trevor and Austin. These are the only night fishing companions I’ve ever had. Because the truth is, most anglers simply will not fish in the dark very often. But these guys do. And it takes a certain kind of angler to pursue trout into the night. What kind of angler fishes after dark? What are their motivations and rewards? That's our first topic in this episode. Where does night fishing for trout happen? Where are the best places to catch trout after dark? That's our second topic in this episode. And lastly, what kind of gear and tactics will we cover in this series? What are some of the odd things about night fishing we might encounter? This season, the six-part Night Fishing for Trout Skills skills series from Troutbitten, is an in depth look into the game of fishing for trout after dark. We hope you enjoy it. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Night Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- Fight or Flight PODCAST: Troutbitten | An Introduction to Night Fishing for Trout -- S3, Ep14 PODCAST: Troutbitten | Night Fishing and the Mouse Emerger Concept -- S1, Ep3 Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jul 29, 2023

We’re in between podcast season, and it's time for an update about what’s going on with Troutbitten. My wife, Becky, joins me to talk about the past, the present and the near future. The summer Troutbitten Shop leader sale launches on Monday morning, July 31st. All Troutbitten leaders will be back in stock: Harvey, Standard, Thin and Micro Thin Mono Rigs, Full Kits and Standard Sighters. Also in the shop are new hats and tee shirts in collaboration with New Trail Brewing Company. My Guide Schedule for fall of '24 has been full for a while now. And my spring season is a little over half booked up. I will open dates for fall '24 on September 20th, next month. Bill and Austin will have available dates for this fall pretty soon. So if you are still looking for a date this fall, be in touch. The Troutbitten YouTube channe l continues to grow fast. I've spent a lot of time learning to film and edit, and I'm working on a Fish and Film series that should be out by the beginning of October. These are first-person-style videos that also mix in other camera angles. These are videos that simply show the fishing and the experience of being on the river, highlighting the decisions made to be versatile and to meet fish on their own terms. Josh Darling and I will continue to publish videos every other week. Those videos are in one of these categories: Troutbitten Tips, Fish and Film, Troutbitten Fly Box, Fishing the Mono Rig. The Troutbitten Podcast continues with Season 8, beginning on August 20th. This is a six part Skills Series covering Night Fishing for Trout. After that, we’ll take a couple weeks off until Season 9 of the Troutbitten Podcast begins on October 15 and runs until Christmas time. Resources SHOP: Troutbitten | The Troutbitten Shop GUIDE: Troutbitten | Troutbitten Guided Fishing Trips VIDEOS: Troutbitten | Troutbitten Videos PODCASTS: Troutbitten | The Troutbitten Podcast Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jul 2, 2023

Every Troutbitten regular knows about Sloop. We’ve referred to our friend on nearly every podcast, especially in the last few seasons, as it’s become a running contest to see how we can sneak in a Sloop John B reference. So we’re excited to have John here. Because what we all find so rewarding about this life on the water are the friendships. We form deep bonds with people because they are . . . fishermen. Because they too are captivated by the trout, by the places trout take us and by the refinement of tactics required to catch a wild trout. Our friends are at the heart of it all. And really, that’s what we’re adding in tonight — another friend, and possibly the deepest friend to Troutbitten, if we consider how all this started. Sloop tied it all together from the beginning. Here are good stories and fun with our friend, John Burgos (Sloop). Resources READ: Troutbitten | How It Started READ: Troutbitten | Fishing With Friends Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 25, 2023

We're back for the annual airing of grievances, here to call out what's wrong in the fly fishing industry. Some of our grievances are lighthearted silliness that doesn't really matter, but it’s fun to roast or to call out. But there’s another kind of grievance too. Because a lot of the stuff going on in the fly fishing industry isn’t really good for anyone — or maybe it’s only good for a few. Because the industry — and by that I mean you, me, the fly fishing companies, and all the media around it — picks up trends. Then it pushes and pulls anglers in that direction. And sometimes, what is served up doesn’t benefit the average angler. It’s not helpful. So there are problems. And this episode is for highlighting some of the worst. Because it's fair to call balls and strikes, and because it helps to acknowledge that things could be better and try to make a change. Resources PODCAST: Troutbitten | The Airing of Grievances, S3, Ep13 Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 18, 2023

This episode is about big trout -- what they mean to us, why we chase them, and how catching a top tier wild trout often leaves a bookmark in the story of our fishing lives. We love big trout because they give us the shakes. Because they elude us. Because they are rare. And because fooling a top tier trout serves as an accomplishment that we know comes from persistence and from knowledge gained over seasons of fishing. Time. That’s what it always comes down to. Because big trout don’t show up every day. The rarity of the occasion often puts the capstone on a special trip, and these fish serve as icons in our history. They’re something to look back on, to share with trusted friends, or divide part of our life into what occurred before a big fish and what happened after. Because pursuing legendary fish takes us on a journey like none other, leading us into places unimagined and providing moments that bring a vibrancy to our daily life. READ: Troutbitten | The Shakes, and Why We Love Big Trout READ: Troutbitten | What Does It Take to Catch a Big Trout? READ: Troutbitten | Some Days Are Diamonds, Some Days Are Rocks READ: Troutbitten | Wild vs Stocked -- The Hierarchy of Trout in Pennsylvania Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 11, 2023

“That’s Not Fly Fishing.” How many times have you heard this at the bar or seen someone write it on social media? When the way you are fishing isn’t up to someone’s standards, when it doesn’t align with their own preferences, it seems that this frequent argument comes out easily — That’s not fly fishing! Of course, there is no single definition for what fly fishing is. The fly rod is a tool. Flies are the bait. And how anglers choose to use them is where personal creativity comes in. It’s that inventiveness and room for imagination that makes fly fishing so attractive to us in the first place. How can we do things better? How can we use these tools to catch more trout? Every angler draws their own lines for what fly fishing is. And this episode is not just for talking through what fly fishing might be and where each of us might draw the lines. Instead, we’d like to acknowledge the absurdity of the lines themselves — the decisions we make about what is fly fishing and what is not. How can someone be so adamantly against tight line tactics, but gladly fish a bobber and split shot all day? This makes no sense. How can you be all in on tungsten beads but claim that adding split shot makes it not fly fishing? Likewise, how can you be against a ball jighead on a streamer but have a full box of dumbell eyes? Is it because Bob Clouser told everyone it’s okay? These absurdities, and these questions are what we’re here to talk about tonight. There’s a lot to this one, and we have plenty of conversations with a full house. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Where the Lines Are Drawn READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing the Mono Rig Q&A -- Lines, Rigging and the Skeptics READ: Troutbitten | No Limits -- Use Every Type of Weight Available Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 4, 2023

This episode is a brief pause in season seven of the podcast to share something that I published to Troutbitten in the early years. The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of emotion and activity. The days were filled with energy and adrenaline, as my youngest son's Little League baseball team won the league championship. They battled through two weeks of playoffs and took the title in the last series, where every game was decided in the final inning. I've coached Little League for nine years, and this was my last. My youngest son is twelve, and this was his senior year of Little League. To see it all end in such dramatic fashion was a gift. But the biggest emotions, from caring about something so deeply, are always a gift, whether that's in victory or defeat, love or loss. When the Knights were on the edge of winning or losing the championship series, the day before the final game, I kept thinking about an experience I had with one of the largest trout I've ever lost. Years ago, I wrote that into a story on Troutbitten. This episode is a l reading of a story that I first published on July 15, 2015, titled, This Is The End. It's also a little about baseball. Resources READ: Troutbitten | This Is The End READ: Troutbitten | Some Days Are Diamonds, Some Days Are Rocks READ: Troutbitten | Category | Stories Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 28, 2023

What’s the best way to carry your gear? Should you use a vest, a chest pack, hip pack, sling pack or something else? How you choose to carry gear is a personal and situational choice. It has everything to do with what you need to carry, and how far you like to walk. Do you need to carry extra layers and a raincoat, and how many tactics do you want to be ready for? Streamers, nymphs, dry flies and wets . . . or just dries? We have more choices than ever before, but it pays to think about efficiency when selecting a carrying system. Because a big part of being versatile on the water is having easy access to whatever you need, right when you need it. We Cover the Following Best to have one system or many? Carrying a net, water, and other heavy items Minimalist setups The disaster of a sling pack The benefit of everything up front Storage and convenience Large pockets or many pockets What about getting wet? . . . and much more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Pack or Vest? Why I'm a Vest Guy READ: Troutbitten | 100 Day Gear Review -- Simms G3 Guide Vest LISTEN: Troutbitten | PODCAST -- The Efficiencies that Waste Your Fishing Time LISTEN: Troutbitten | PODCAST -- The Versatile Angler Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 21, 2023

The leader might be the most important piece of gear that we have -- more consequential than the rod, the fly line, or even the fly itself. And of course, at the tail end of the leader is the tippet. All anglers must make decisions about tippet every day. What size and strength? What type of tippet? And how long should the tippet section be? Because, what might seem like a small decision, can have a big impact on the presentation of the fly, leading to failure or success. Some of these decisions are almost right and wrong. Meaning, there’s a way to do it that works and a way that just does not work. However, there’s a lot more room for personal preference, style and situations in these tippet decisions than there is right or wrong. In this episode, the Troutbitten crew talks through these tippet decisions around the scenarios of fishing streamers, fishing dry flies and fishing nymphs. We Cover the Following Fluorocarbon vs nylon Fly size and tippet selection The importance of flexibility in tippet The importance of turnover in tippet Dry fly leader tapers in the tippet section Durability and abrasion resistance Do you really need 8X? Are trout leader shy? Tippet selection for improved sink rate . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | The George Harvey Leader Design READ: Troutbitten | Why You Might Not Need of the Crutch of 6X and Smaller Tippets READ: Troutbitten | Fly Shop Fluorocarbon to Expensive? Try Invizx READ: Troutbitten | You Need Turnover Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 14, 2023

This podcast is about small stream fishing — specifically, what we love about the places, the fish, the tactics and the experience of fishing smaller trout waters. These are trout streams that are no wider than the dirt road that you drove in on. And for every blue ribbon trout river, for every destination water that is raved about in the guidebooks and makes every angler’s bucket list, there are numerous tributaries to these main rivers that are mostly overlooked. We see this everywhere we go — small streams get no respect. They’re mostly an afterthought. We fish small streams for the adventure, for the exploration and the experience. We fish smalls streams in search of wild trout in wild places. And we fish small streams because the challenges of fly fishing these waters teaches us everything we ever need to know about fishing bigger rivers. We Cover the Following Finding solitude Reaching back into our own history Wild and native fish Leader tips for small waters Rod lengths for small waters The purity of experience Cooler temps, with more shade Willing trout in smaller waters Scenery . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Right Here READ: Troutbitten | Where it All Started READ: Troutbitten | Hardbody READ: Troutbitten | VIDEO - The River Doesn't Owe You Anything Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 7, 2023

This episode is about wading a river. Good wading. Better wading. Confident wading. Because, for a river angler, nothing is more important. Good wading is not just walking from place to place, it's an almost constant, fluid motion, and fly fishing requires great footwork along the way. I meet a lot of anglers who approach a river all wrong. They wade into a spot, set up, and then cast to every piece of water they can reach (at all angles) before picking up and wading again to repeat the process. But this is rarely the best approach. Consider the variables: There’s a distance at which you are most accurate. There’s a light angle that is most advantageous. There’s a certain water type where trout are feeding more agreeably. So the best river anglers move, almost constantly, setting themselves up to best approach the next great piece of water. As wading anglers, we must wade efficiently. It’s that simple. And good wading skills change the game like nothing else. When you are comfortable and confident in the water — when you can easily move to the other side just because the light angles are better, the river opens up in a whole new way. The Troutbitten guys join me to walk through some of our best wading tips. We Cover the Following Should anglers move while casting? Why does good wading make such a difference? Wading, not walking Constant motion Reading the water Body positioning Polarized lenses for good wading The best boots for wading Boot studs and traction The right wading staff setup . . . and more. Resources READ: Troutbitten | It's Wading, Not Walking READ: Troutbitten | We Wade READ: Troutbitten | Tips for Better Wading and More Trout READ: Troutbitten | VIDEO - The Only Way to Carry a Wading Staff Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 30, 2023

What can we do when the rains come, when the snow melts, or when the floodgates open? Rivers rise in many different ways. From quick and heavy summer thunderstorms, to the steady light rain that remains for days at a time. There’s the gradual release of melting snowpack and then heavy rains on that same snow that pushes high volumes of cold water into the rivers. Then too, there’s the generation of hydroelectric dams where the river might triple in flow, on a schedule. In all of these ways, rivers rise. And the responses from trout can be different in each case. Yet, as anglers, there are some things about our approach to high water situations that always hold true. Muddy water is miserable. But to us, dirty water is an invitation into some of our favorite tactics on a fly rod. These conditions are an opportunity. Because a changing river system offers trout new opportunities. It breaks trout from their routines and can have them feeding fast. However, as anglers who are approaching high water conditions, we need to assess those changes and see the river anew. High water can be a wonderful time to be out there. At flood stage? Or in the near-zero visibility of muddy water? Probably not. But there’s a wide range of conditions that exist between what most anglers see as perfect and then . . . blown out. And for many of us, we’d rather fish on the high side of things than the low side. We Cover the Following What is muddy and what is dirty? Do trout feed more in high water? How does high water help the angler? How can we avoid high water? When is high water too high? How do we change tactics to approach high water? Is it better on the way up or the way down? . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Dirty Water -- Tight Targets READ: Troutbitten | River and Rain READ: Troutbitten | A List of Fisherman's Excuses READ: Troutbitten | Fish It Anyway Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 23, 2023

We have a fun conversation for this episode, about what’s more difficult — nymphs or dry flies. This is not a talk about which tactic is better. And this discussion isn’t even about which one we might like more. What is more difficult? Nymphs or dries? This is a valuable exercise and an important discussion . . . Just because nymphing might usually produce more trout, doesn’t mean it is easier. And how many trout we catch on each style is not the point. Try getting true, convincing dead drifts on a nymph. It is, quite simply, harder to achieve than a dry fly, because you can’t see success on the invisible flies underneath, and because the complexity of currents is far more intricate in three dimensions. But many people just don’t take it that far with nymphing. They think their drifts are good enough, because they caught a few fish (maybe more than they did on dries.) But excellent nymphing requires excellent effort. And a lot more trout can be caught by acknowledging that kind of difficulty. The ceiling is high. And realizing that is the value of this discussion. We Cover the Following The confusing boundaries of this conversation Why anglers are protective of what they like best How that holds an angler back Tight line complexities Dry fly complexities Where bias comes from A few streamer thoughts . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Nymph Angler is Sustainable READ: Troutbitten | The George Harvey Leader Design READ: Troutbitten | That's Not a Dead Drift PODCAST: Troutbitten | Find Your Rabbit Hole Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 16, 2023

This is the second episode of our two part discussion on angler pressure. Last time, we talked about how fishing pressure affects the fish — how they respond to more fishermen placing more casts and drifts in the waters around them — how trout change, both short term and long term. And now, we’re building on those thoughts and offering some solutions. Because if trout are adapting their habits in response to us, then we must modify our own approach to stay one step ahead of the fish. I used that phrase in the last podcast a couple of times too. And it’s a good way to think about it. Our fishing is based on fooling a trout. What are they looking to eat? How can we attract them to a fly and then convince them to eat it, right? And while you might have the methods and flies necessary to fool your local trout right now, it might not work just a few years from now. Because trout and the rivers they live in are always changing. So our approach must keep changing too. It’s just another aspect of trout fishing that makes it all so wonderfully complicated. It’s also why we like to fish for wild trout . . . We Cover the Following Water selection Finding fresh fish Wild vs Stocked response to angler pressure How long until a trout resets from angler pressure Genetically passing on the effects of angler pressure Presentations, convinced or curious? Patterns, natural or attractive? . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Front Ended -- Can We Stop Doing This to Each Other? READ: Troutbitten | Natural vs Attractive Presentations READ: Troutbitten | Why Everyone Fishes the Same Water and What to Do About It PODCAST: Troutbitten | Rude On the River -- Front Ended and the Golden Rule Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 9, 2023

Season 7 of the Troutbitten Podcast begins with a two-part discussion on angler pressure. This is a big one. It’s a topic that everyone in the fishing world loves to talk about. People complain about angler pressure, and they have theories about how it changes things. In this episode, we discuss how angler pressure affects the fish. And for the next episode, the topic will be how angler pressure affects the fishing. One topic sets up a good conversation of the other. Angler pressure probably isn’t going to trend the other way. For most of us, more casts are made to the waters we fish, by more anglers than ever before. Because there are more fishermen, just as there are more runners, golfers and bikers. Every sport these days has better access to information about techniques, about where and when to go, and there’s specialized gear that is easily available and fun to buy. We Cover the Following Trout selectivity Feeding patterns Migration Growth rates Trout conditioning Grouping up or spreading out Mortality rates . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Front Ended -- Can We Stop Doing This to Each Other? READ: Troutbitten | Natural vs Attractive Presentations READ: Troutbitten | Why Everyone Fishes the Same Water and What to Do About It PODCAST: Troutbitten | Rude On the River -- Front Ended and the Golden Rule Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 26, 2023

Troutbitten is about the pursuit of fishing tactics. It’s about discovering new techniques and improving our skills. We don’t want to hope something will happen out there. We try to make it happen. And that element of fly fishing, where there’s always something new to try, is what is so attractive to those of us who dedicate much of our lives to the river. But there’s another side to this love of pursuing trout. And I once wrote it down in an article this way: "There are two sides to every fisherman: one that simply enjoys being on the water (hoping to catch a fish), and the other that desperately wants to know how to put more fish in the net. These two parts find an internal balance inside every long-term angler that I know." Among the nearly one-thousand articles published on Troutbitten, I strive to reflect this balance. The Stories category of the website carries the heart and soul of this project. And if I were limited to writing stories or tactical pieces only, I would no doubt hold on to the stories. I love this kind of writing. This episode is a reading of a story that I first published on February 23, 2022, titled, Fish It Anyway . . . Resources READ: Troutbitten | Fish It Anyway READ: Troutbitten | Category | Stories Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 19, 2023

Season Seven will begin on April 10th. But in between seasons, I want to catch you up on a few things that are going on with Troutbitten. Just a few years ago, Troutbitten was the website only. I wrote and published articles three times a week. Now it’s a multi-media company with many branches — there’s the podcast, the videos, the online shop, hosted events and, of course, the guide business. Here's what's going on in the Troutbitten world . . . Resources VIDEO: Troutbitten | Mono Rigs and Euro Leaders -- Micro Thin or Standard? SHOP: Troutbitten | The Troutbitten Shop PODCASTS: Troutbitten | Podcast Home Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 5, 2023

Here we are at the end of Season 6 -- the Troutbitten Winter Skills Series. This is episode 8 of the series, and I’m here with a full crew of friends to wrap things up, to hear some stories and dig into a few more tips for fly fishing in the winter months. This is a great conversation with my best fishing friends. And this discussion is a nice endcap on a full season dedicated to fly fishing in the winter months. We Cover the Following More streamer tips Rigging Access issues Winter preparation More nymphing tips Dry fly expectations This winter vs other winters . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Fishing in the Winter READ: Troutbitten | Winter Fly Fishing -- Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing in the Winter -- Ice In the Guides READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing in the Winter -- Something Is Always Gonna Hurt Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 26, 2023

My good friend, Austin Dando, joins me to address many of the troubles with winter fishing. In this Winter Skills Series, we’ve been through the tactics, with dry flies, streamers and nymphs. We've talked about how to stay warm out there, and we’ve saved this topic for last. There are a host of reasons that anglers stay home in the winter. Some are legitimate -- there's no good solution for the problem, and you learn to deal with it the best you can. We talk about some of those. But other perceived problems really aren’t much of any issue at all, if you have a plan and a solution. We address a few of those too. We Cover the Following Ice in the guides Access Visibility Regulating heat Falling in Freezing reels Finding trout Staying versatile . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Fishing in the Winter READ: Troutbitten | Winter Fly Fishing -- Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing in the Winter -- Ice In the Guides READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing in the Winter -- Something Is Always Gonna Hurt Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 19, 2023

With this Troutbitten skills series on winter fishing. We’ve covered locations and expectations, where to find trout, and their wintertime habits. We did two full podcasts on staying warm from head to toe. We talked about fishing nymphs in these waters, streamers in these waters, and now we’re ready to talk about dry flies. Specifically, this conversation is dedicated to what is different or unique about fishing dry flies in the winter, versus other times of the year. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me for a great conversation about the floaters. This is a fun one. We Cover the Following Where to find rising trout Regional and geographical variations Expected hatches Spring waters, tailwaters, freestoners Water types for small flies Hatches and patterns to match Why local knowledge is supreme The dead drift is everything Presentation specifics Leader adjustments Fishing two dries Fishing dry dropper in the winter . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Fishing in the Winter READ: Troutbitten | The George Harvey Leader Design READ: Troutbitten | Category | Dry Fly Fishing PODCAST: Troutbitten | Hatches and Strategies, S3 Ep3 READ: Troutbitten | That's Not a Dead Drift Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 12, 2023

A streamer is not only a great change-up in the winter, it can be the best fly in your box - if you fish it well. There are some changes to make for a wintertime streamer approach, versus the warmer seasons. And those nuances in presentation make all the difference. In this episode my friend, Austin Dando, and I share our best tips for fishing streamers in the winter. We Cover the Following Why, when, where and how Gear for winter streamers The flies and the lines Benefits of fishing streamers in the winter Presentation specifics The Super-Pause Low and slow? Water types to focus on How far will a trout move? Stripping, jigging, drifting . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Fishing in the Winter PODCAST: Troutbitten | S1 Ep 14 -- Winter Fly Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- Quick or Smooth? READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- Strips, Jigs and Jerks Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 5, 2023

In this episode, we dive deep into winter nymphing strategies. Specifically, we highlight what is different and what is unique about nymphing in the winter versus other seasons. With fewer hatches and with trout that are less willing to move for a fly, presenting a nymph to winter fish is often our best strategy. But having success requires a refined approach, and winter nymphing can seem like the toughest of the year. However, with a great presentation and a good understanding of where fish feed in colder water, trout can be caught. In fact, with these skills, winter nymphing may sometimes provide the fastest fishing of the year. We Cover the Following Why nymphing is our favorite winter tactic Trout behaviors in cold water More predictable water types, methods and fly selection Low and slow? Trout grouping and trout spreading out Favorite rigs, tight line and indy Favorite flies Fly pairings and placement Long drifts vs short drifts Bobber holes Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Fishing in the Winter PODCAST: Troutbitten | S1 Ep 14 -- Winter Fly Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing in the Winter -- The Go-To Nymphing Rig READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing in the Winter -- The Secondary Nymphing Rig Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jan 29, 2023

Here's a full podcast dedicated to staying warm, from head to toe. Because sometimes, staying warm and functional in the winter is far more important than the tactics. The cold becomes our biggest challenge. This episode is about keeping the cold out, the heat in and fishing hard — all day long, in even the roughest weather. More specifically, it's about regulating your body heat while on the river. In This Episode, We Cover the Following How to regulate heat with layers and zippers Staying mobile with flexible layers that hold in heat and let it go Best materials for each zone, each layer Hats, buffs, balaclavas, hoods Dark colors and UV rays Base layers, insulating layers, outer layers Winters waders, winter boots Socks Heat packs Battery solutions . . . more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Fishing in the Winter PODCAST: Troutbitten | S1 Ep 14 -- Winter Fly Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing in the Winter -- Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes READ: Troutbitten | Winter -- Something Is Always Going to Hurt Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jan 22, 2023

Cold. That is what defines winter fishing. We acknowledged in the last podcast that the cold — or really the inability to deal with it — is one of the main reasons anglers stay home. So that’s why I think any in-depth discussion about winter fishing really has to start with how to stay warm. If you’re so cold that you can’t function normally, you just won’t fish well. In next week’s podcast, we’re going to get deep into all of it — keeping your whole body warm, from head to toe. And not just warm, but ready for fishing, walking, wading and hiking a little. But in this episode, we’re starting with your hands — just your hands. Because there’s a lot to this. And maybe nothing is more important. We need warm hands -- working hands -- to fish in the coldest weather we encounter and stay out there, catching fish and meeting the challenges that winter fishing can bring. In This Episode, We Cover the Following Why fly anglers need two hands The benefit of body heat Something is still going to hurt Keep your hands dry Does everyone need gloves? Types of gloves Wool, fleece, nitrile Heat packs (Hot Hands) Using your pockets Wrist bands Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Fishing in the Winter PODCAST: Troutbitten | S1, Ep 14 -- Winter Fly Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing in the Winter -- Your Hands READ: Troutbitten | Winter -- Something Is Always Going to Hurt READ: Troutbitten | Winter Pregarme Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jan 16, 2023

Season Six of the Troutbitten podcast begins. This is an eight part Skill Series about fly fishing in the winter months, and episode one is an overview of the series, along with details about where to find trout and in what water type we should expect them to eat. This episode is about our approach, with advice on time of day, fly strategy, covering water to suite the river and reading what the trout want for the moment. I'm joined this season by my co-host, Austin Dando. This Skills Series format is designed with less conversation and more detail. Here Are the Winter Skills Series Episode Titles: The System / The Plan Your Hands Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Nymphing in the Winter Streamer Fishing in the Winter Dry Flies, Midges, Emergers and More Winter Problems, Winter Solutions Roundtable Review In This Episode, We Cover the Following What does winter mean Air temperatures and water temperatures Enjoying the struggle Cracking the winter code Winter predictability Where to expect trout River types and water types Finding feeding fish Move and fish Nymphing, streamers dry flies Why don't more anglers fish in the winter? The experience Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Fishing in the Winter PODCAST: Troutbitten | S1 Ep 14 -- Winter Fly Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Winter -- Something Is Always Going to Hurt READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing in the Winter -- The System READ: Troutbitten | Winter Welcome Home Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 18, 2022

For the finale of Season Five of the Troutbitten Podcast and to wrap up 2022, we’re closing the curtain with an episode about fishing buddies — why we need them, how to find them and how to keep them for a lifetime. We talk about what makes a good, bad or great fishing companion and share some experiences about a few would-be friendships gone wrong. We Cover the Following What qualities are needed in a great river companion? How to meet new fishing friends Why do we need fishing friends? How many is too many? How the Troutbitten crew came together River friends who didn't work out New Year's resolutions for 2023 Resources READ: Troutbitten | Fish With Friends READ: Troutbitten | How to Fish With Friends READ: Troutbitten | Respect the Spots, Man! READ: Troutbitten | Rivers and Friends READ: Troutbitten | Lost Fishing Friends READ: Troutbitten | I'll Meet You Upstream Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 11, 2022

One of the most captivating aspects of fly fishing is the seemingly endless variety of approaches, tactics and strategies that are available with a fly rod in our hands. There are so many things to learn that put trout in the net. And we quickly understand that there’s a lifetime of education for us if we want it. So we combine our time on the water with conversations that we have with friends. We read books and articles. We watch videos. Maybe we listen to podcasts. And yes, we might even learn something from social media. But with so many sources in easy reach, sorting through the flood of information can be overwhelming. How do you weigh the value or the validity of these sources? These days, conflicting information — conflicting opinions — seem to be right next to each other. So . . . what should you trust? How do you sift through the overflowing bank of information and find what works? That is what this episode is about. We Cover the Following Are there experts in fly fishing? What is an expert? Are the best anglers well known? Who have you learned from the most? How have you learned the most? How can you pick out bad information? Can we trust the trout? Learning to trust yourself Enjoying the experience Resources READ: Troutbitten | Find Your Rabbit Hole READ: Troutbitten | Who Knows Better Than You? READ: Troutbitten | Explore - Learn -Return READ: Troutbitten | What To Trust READ: Troutbitten | Never Blame the Fish Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 4, 2022

Wind challenges our cast and changes our drifts more than any other element. It forces us to adapt our presentations, and it makes some of our favorite styles impossible. But there is always a way to beat it. There’s always a way to make things work. And no matter how rough the wind, there are strategies not just for fighting through it, but for fishing well and catching trout. That’s what this episode is about. Here are our best strategies for fly fishing in windy conditions. Wind does not need to keep you home. And it doesn’t need to force you off the water. There are ways to deal with the difficulty of wind, to learn something from the challenge and sometimes even catch more trout than you might in calm conditions. Most of the foul weather that bothers us just doesn't seem to affect the trout much. And if you learn to beat the wind and weather, or at least work with it and cut that edge, both success and solitude can be yours. Forget the forecast. Just fish. We Cover the Following Do trout care if it's windy? How does wind complicate fly fishing? Fish closer Low rod angles How weight (in many forms) is what beats wind Dry fly, streamer and nymphing tips Advantages gained from the wind Resources READ: Troutbitten | Podcast | Dealing With Weather and Fighting the Elements READ: Troutbitten | Angler Types in Profile -- Goldilocks READ: Troutbitten | Explore - Learn - Return READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing Tips #50 -- Fish Hard READ: Troutbitten | Never Blame the Fish READ: Troutbitten | Don't Be a Hero -- Fish Closer Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 27, 2022

The Troutbitten crew answers questions from podcast listeners. These questions range from gear talk to ethics, from fly selection to reading a trout river. And while most of our podcast episodes are narrowly focused on one theme, this one is spread out across topics. This is an entertaining conversation, with both stories and tactics. We Cover the Following How far do trout move for a fly? Stories about bad days on the water Carrying two fly rods The Mono Rig from a boat Tippet protection as a fly rod feature The Mono Rig for steelhead What we learn on tough days Dream destination trips Resources READ: Troutbitten | Podcast | The Versatile Angler READ: Troutbitten | Design and Function of the Troutbitten Standard Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Lightning Fast Leader Changes (with VIDEO) READ: Troutbitten | The Best Fly Rods for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | Convinced or Curious -- What Moves a Trout to a Fly Visit Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 20, 2022

The longer we toss around streamers, the more we realize that it’s the most subtle changes in presentation that make a difference. Faster or slower? Sure. But how about letting the fly free fall in the current? What about a slight cross lead before reestablishing a strike-zone path in one seam? Or let’s try sliding a streamer off the bank with a broadside look, because that often draws a strike when nothing else does. I think most anglers start fishing streamers by casting and stripping, keeping it simple at first. And that works. But as time goes by, we realize how much control we truly have over the streamer. And we learn that making it dance, swoon or dart can bring trout charging and crashing into the fly. Understand this: What we do with a streamer, the motions we give it and the manipulations we perform with the rod or the line start with the head of the streamer. That’s what we’re moving. Trout care about the head position of a streamer. They recognize the head, and they feed in a way that is different from nymphs, wets or dry flies. The other fly styles are too small for a trout to care about where the head is. But there is no doubt that trout are keenly aware of the head of a baitfish. That is their target. And while chasing a moving food form, trout certainly recognize where the head is and where that food is going next. So as streamer fishermen, we should consider the head as well, because all of our animations to the fly start there. It’s our attachment point to the fly. And what we do with the rod or the line hand directly affects the head of the streamer first. It’s how we bring the fly to life. In this episode, we talk about the head orientation of the streamer in the water — how the streamer moves with the currents or against them, and what looks more natural vs what might look more attractive. We also dig into what added weight does to the head of a streamer, how that affects the action and how that limits or enhances the presentation styles that we have available. We Cover the Following What head angle converts the most fish in the net? What head angle brings the most interest? Do trout eat the head first? What head angle looks like a baitfish that is holding, fleeing, dying? How weight in the head affects the fly and the presentation Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | The Old School Streamer Thing READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Head Flip READ: Troutbitten | The Meat Eater Minority -- Streamer Fishing Myth vs Truth READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Cross Current Strip Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 13, 2022

The Troutbitten guys and I sit down to share a few stories — moments and experiences — from a life on the water. There’s no layout for this episode and not much direction other than to share some of the remarkable things that have happened to us while fishing — the things we’ve seen, places we’ve been and the stuff that has happened, simply because we were there, on the river, with a fly rod in our hand. From the beginning, Troutbitten has been about tactics, sure, but also about the experiences. It’s always been a balance between the two, across all the channels, the videos, the podcasts, the website and social media. It’s the tactics that keep me interested and motivated to get out there day after day. It’s that refinement of technique and the endless problem solving in an ever-changing and shifting game. But sometimes, I catch myself with my head down, tying knots, staring and searching through the surface currents without looking around very much, without breathing deeply and soaking it all in. But it’s the things that happen while we’re out there that make fly fishing for trout the all-consuming, never ending pursuit that it is for us. And, in truth, all of us need to let that happen. It’s in the choices that we make regarding where we’ll fish, when we’ll fish and who we’ll fish with. Those elements, the locations, the woods, the water and the friendships make all of this special. We Cover the Following Boat shenanigans Austin's wedding Family trips Travel time Fishing with a dog Camping and fishing Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Stories READ: Troutbitten | How to Stay in the Fly Fishing Game for a Lifetime READ: Troutbitten | Borer Collie and the Thunderstorm READ: Troutbitten | Lost Fishing Friends READ: Troutbitten | Fish With Friends Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 6, 2022

In this episode, my Troutbitten friends and I talk about one of the toughest conditions we face — fishing in low, clear water. It’s something that can happen in any season and in any trout river. Many anglers shrink from the challenge. They walk away or never string up the fly rod, using the excuse that trout are simply too spooky or they just aren’t eating. But I promise you, that is not true. Trout are eating in these conditions. It just takes a calculated approach to bring them to hand. The truth is, low and clear water is a difficult challenge But if you accept these river conditions as a chance to learn and improve, then the extreme, sensitive nature of trout in low and clear water will force you to refine your approach, your cast and your drift. Everything about your presentation in low water must be thought through. Success requires caution, planning and a willingness to strike out. But that’s how you become a complete angler — by fishing when it’s tough. And by fishing hard. We Cover the Following Does low water affect the whole river? Are all trout more sensitive in low water? Do trout maintain the same rhythms? Do we need smaller flies? Do we need thinner tippets? Tips for stealth Nymph, Streamer and Dry fly tips Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Spooky Trout READ: Troutbitten | Podcast | The Spooky Trout -- What Scares Fish and How To Avoid Spooking Them READ: Troutbitten | The Advantages of Working Upstream READ: Troutbitten | Are You Spooking Trout? READ: Troutbitten | The Spooky Trout: Find Their Blind Spot Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 30, 2022

Is catch and release a good idea all the time or just some of the time? In this episode, we consider the ways that the practice of catch and release changes the experience of fishing for us — how our approach shifts when the goals are different. A lot has changed in the last fifty years. Releasing the trout we catch has become commonplace, especially in the world of fly fishing. In many regions, on many rivers, C&R has become the expected norm. We’ve come a long way. And it’s fair to say that the average fly angler for trout doesn’t fish for meat as much as they do for the sport — for the challenge of fooling a fish. Catch and release often takes hold in the ethos of an angler because they are forced into it. Because specially regulated sections of a river might require it. And for many anglers new to the sport, or those coming from another fishing background, releasing a trout first feels comfortable because there’s no other option. After a couple of dozen fish are returned, and maybe after a few return trips to the same water, the effectiveness of catch and release becomes obvious, and it eventually feels more natural to let the fish go than to put them on a stringer. We release trout to catch them again — so that our friends might catch them again, and so the next stranger to the river, hoping for the same experience that we were chasing, might catch that same trout that we just put back. Catch and release works. There’s no doubt. But is it always the best choice? Is there also a place for catch and keep? And if we do decide to kill a few trout, how does that experience change the way we fish? That’s our discussion here. . . We Cover the Following When is it okay to keep a trout? Mandatory killing of invasive species Does killing trout allow room for growing bigger trout? Kill wild trout or stocked trout? The hunter's mindset applied to catch and release Put and take streams How keeping trout impacts your own waters Resources READ: Troutbitten | Are We Taking the Safety of Trout too Far? READ: Troutbitten | If You Have to Revive a Trout, It's Probably Too Late READ: Troutbitten | Podcast | How to Handle a Trout READ: Troutbitten | How to Hold a Trout Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 23, 2022

In this episode, we talk about weight and fly fishing. Because if you’re not fishing a dry fly on the surface, then weight, in some form or another, is part of the presentation. There are all kinds of weight options, of course, from wire ribs on a wet fly and heavy wire hooks, to lead wraps and tungsten beads on a nymph or coneheads on a streamer. Sinking lines, sink tips and even poly leaders will get you down. And of course there’s split shot, in a few different forms, along with drop shot. Something has to get you through the surface and down deeper. As soon as your target zone is under the water, how you’ll get the fly into various parts of the water column becomes the question. And getting near the river bed is often critical to success. All of these weight types are useful. Weight is weight. And I’ve often put it this way: Weight is the original sin of fly fishing. If you aren’t fishing dry flies, then you’ve already left the purist plantation behind. So accept it. Surrender to it, and enjoy the rewards of fishing flies where trout usually eat them anyway. Embracing tungsten beads but thumbing your nose at split shot makes me chuckle. Insisting that a sinking line is superior to a conehead streamer for getting down defies logic. Oh for sure, the presentation may be very different, and that’s why we use all options. Choosing one form of weight over another form doesn’t make you a better angler. It doesn’t make it more FLY fishing. It just makes you an efficient angler. So in this discussion with my Troutbitten friends, we walk through the various ways to get a fly under the surface. We’ talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each style of weight and talk about our preferences. We Cover the Following Is weight the original sin? What makes it FLY fishing anyway? Types of weight in the flies Types of weight on the line Types of weight in the line Resources READ: Troutbitten | Split Shot vs Weighted Flies READ: Troutbitten | Don't Hate Split Shot - Have a System (VIDEO) READ: Troutbitten | Stop the Split Shot Slide READ: Troutbitten | Beads Are the Best Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 16, 2022

Success on the water starts with finding fish and not spooking them. No one ever caught a scared trout. All the tactics, the flies and the habits of river trout that we focus on mean nothing if the fish are on high alert and out of the mood to eat. Don’t spook the fish. Achieving that is different from season to season. It’s different in various water types. And acceptable distances from the trout change even with the angles by which you approach them. Being cautious, being aware and being attentive pays dividends. So reconsider your strategy. Maybe think first about your impact on the river before ever considering your first fly choice. Be a hunter. That might be the best advice we can give. My friends join me for a great discussion about what it takes to avoid spooking trout. We Cover the Following Do trout eat when they are scared? What do trout do when they are spooked? What spooks trout? How tolerant are trout of our presence? How close can you get? How do you know a trout is spooked? Stealth tips Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Spooky Trout READ: Troutbitten | The Order of Everything READ: Troutbitten | The Advantages of Working Upstream READ: Troutbitten | Are You Spooking Trout? READ: Troutbitten | The Spooky Trout: Find Their Blind Spot Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 9, 2022

This episode of the Troutbitten Podcast is about tying flies. It's about the way that aspect of fly fishing changes everything for us. Most of us wish to be a complete angler -- one who is well rounded, ready for anything and versatile. By tying flies, we get closer to that goal, because tying flies engages us in a deeper way. We’re more connected, more invested in what we tie to the end of the line. With a few turns of monofilament through the hook eye, we are attached to our own creations and our own solutions. In this episode my friends join me to talk about why we tie flies, why it's important and how it gives us an advantage on the river. We discuss what we like to change in fly patterns, how we adapt our flies to the conditions and much more. Because, for each of us, tying flies is part of our life on the water. We Cover the Following How tying makes us better anglers Things we can change at the vise Problems and situations we can address at the vise Does tying flies save money? Does tying flies save time? Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Troutbitten Fly Box READ: Troutbitten | Tie Your Own Flies -- Here's Why Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 2, 2022

The Troutbitten Podcast is back for season five. My full crew of friends returns, joining me for some great conversations about fly fishing for river trout. We’ll tackle a little bit of everything this season — with streamers, nymphs, wets and dry flies. And while there will be plenty of tactics talk, I’m sure we’ll get into some good stories and experiences on the river too. Episode one kicks this season off with a discussion about fly fishing through the fall season, from the late summer turn of the equinox, heading into the beginning of fall, to the end of the spawning season, which around here signals the beginning of winter. Fall fishing offers renewed hope and opening opportunities, along with a change of scenery. As the foliage turns, so do the habits of wild trout. Our favorite fish loses some of its characteristic inhibitions. More water, less light and the instinct to fatten up create unique opportunities for every angler who is willing to meet the trout on their own terms. While hatches may be sparse, the underwater game opens up to those with the skills to present a nymph, streamer or wet fly with precision. Trout chase. They migrate. They feed and they procreate. Fall fishing offers a style of fishing that is unequaled in any other season. We Cover the Following What we look forward to most in the fall Do trout feed more throughout the fall season? How fewer hatches affect fish behavior and fishing opportunities More or less water. What is our preference? The leaf hatch How does spawning affect the fishing? When does fall fishing turn into winter? Favorite fall tactics Resources READ: Troutbitten | Full Days of Early Fall READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Category | Nymphing Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Sep 9, 2022

This is our full crew review of dry dropper styles. And it wraps up this Troutbitten Skills Series on dry dropper fishing. Because, as we’ve seen, what seems like a pretty simple thing — just adding a nymph under a dry fly -- actually creates some complex situations. You can absolutely fish a dry dropper and keep your life easy. Fly fishing does not have to be complicated . So dangling a nymph from a buoyant dry and casting it to the river without much thought will catch trout. But for many of us, the complexities are what keep us interested . Solving problems, seeking answers, understanding a system and tweaking it for the moment is fun. Because those tweaks, those adjustments, make a difference. And when we start catching more trout, when the opportunities increase, we take notice. We learn what good drifts look like — on both the nymph and the dry fly. Then we improve. And that . . . is the simple joy of fishing. My friends, Austin Dando, Bill Dell, Trevor Smith and Josh Darling join me for the fifth and final installment of this Troutbitten Skills Series on dry dropper styles. So remember, the next time someone mentions fishing dry dropper, ask them what style . . . because there’s a lot of room for variety. -- -- -- In 2019, I published a full series on these Three Styles of Dry Dropper on the Troutbitten Website. You can find them here: READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Light Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Standard Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Tight Line Dry Dropper This podcast series is an excellent companion for the article series. Because “fishing dry dropper” can really mean a lot of things. And each of these styles has many moments when it's the clear winner. So, the next time someone talks about dry dropper fishing, ask them what style -- because there's a lot of room for variety. Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Sep 4, 2022

This episode covers an extremely effective style for presenting both a nymph and a dry fly -- I call it tight line dry dropper, and this may be favorite way to fish. I like methods that provide excellent control. And a tight line rig -- with direct contact as the primary feature -- is built for exactly that. It feels like we can make something happen rather than hoping to get lucky with a trout. With tight line dry dropper, we get the contact and control of a tight line nymphing rig and the excitement of a dry fly rig. It’s very different than the other styles of dry dropper because it’s built on a Mono Rig . And the catch rate, for where this rig applies, is often doubled or even tripled. Watch the nymph tuck in, exactly on target and see the dry fly land downstream of the nymph. You’re tight to the dry — from rod tip to fly — as it bobs and weaves back toward you. With the dry fly in touch with the nymph and our rod tip in touch with the dry fly, strike detection to the nymph is excellent. So we set when the dry twitches, jiggles or dips. And when a trout comes for the dry, you’re close enough to see him coming. It takes discipline not to set the hook too early. When he eats, you’re immediately tight to the fish, with no slack. You’re connected to a trout on a tight line only a rod length or two away, and the fight is on. Tight Line Dry Dropper is a great way to fish. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me for the fourth installment of this Troutbitten Skills Series on dry dropper styles. -- -- -- In 2019, I published a full series on these Three Styles of Dry Dropper on the Troutbitten Website. You can find them here: READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Light Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Standard Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Tight Line Dry Dropper This podcast series is an excellent companion for the article series. Because “fishing dry dropper” can really mean a lot of things. And each of these styles has many moments when it's the clear winner. So, the next time someone talks about dry dropper fishing, ask them what style -- because there's a lot of room for variety. More Resources: READ: Troutbitten | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | One Great Nymphing Trick Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 28, 2022

Standard Dry Dropper is the industry standard for a reason. Because it’s what you get when you simply add a nymph on behind the dry fly. Sometimes, that pairing is perfect, and with a good cast and even better mending skills, this standard setup catches trout all day long. But other times, the addition of the nymph, without some planning and attention to detail, creates a situation where neither the dry nor the nymph is setup to fish very well. And we are stuck with hoping something will happen instead of making it happen. Standard Dry Dropper is a useful style that solves a lot of problems. Especially if you surrender to the idea that the nymph is the primary fly being fished. Aim to land both flies in one seam. Get the nymph upstream of the dry fly and drifting in line. Then keep the tension of the dry fly with good mending. Treat it like and indicator and never be satisfied with a dragging setup. All of this sets up a lot better by staying as close as possible to the target, observing the differences in surface currents and staying active throughout the drift. Be willing to make changes. That’s the key to success. In 2019, I published a full series on these Three Styles of Dry Dropper on the Troutbitten Website. You can find them here: READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Light Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Standard Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Tight Line Dry Dropper This podcast series is an excellent companion for the article series. Because “fishing dry dropper” can really mean a lot of things. And each of these styles has many moments when it's the clear winner. So, the next time someone talks about dry dropper fishing, ask them what style -- because there's a lot of room for variety. More Resources: READ: Troutbitten | Three Parts of an Ideal Indicator Leader -- And One Great Formula READ: Troutbitten | Dry Fly Fishing -- The George Harvey Leader Design Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 21, 2022

Fishing a nymph under a dry fly is rarely as simple as adding a nymph and casting it out there. Some forethought into what your objectives are, measured against your options for rigging and fly selection, goes a long way toward filling the net with trout. Do you want to fish the nymph or the dry? That’s the first question to ask. Each dry dropper style allows for the opportunity to catch trout on both flies, but only Light Dry Dropper is tuned for fishing the dry fly at its best. While Standard Dry Dropper and Tight Line Dry Dropper are great for fishing the nymph first, Light Dry Dropper is perfect for offering the dry fly as a primary choice. And sometimes, the frequency of takes on the added nymph is stunning. With this Skills Series on the Troutbitten Podcast, my friend, Austin Dando, joins me to dissect this Light Dry Dropper style. Because “fishing dry dropper” can really mean a lot of things. And each of these styles has many moments when it's the clear winner. In 2019, I published a full series on these Three Styles of Dry Dropper on the Troutbitten Website. You can find them here: READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Light Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Standard Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Tight Line Dry Dropper This podcast series is an excellent companion for the article series. Because “fishing dry dropper” can really mean a lot of things. And each of these styles has many moments when it's the clear winner. So, the next time someone talks about dry dropper fishing, ask them what style -- because there's a lot of room for variety. More Resources: READ: Troutbitten | Dry Fly Fishing -- The George Harvey Leader Design READ: Troutbitten | One Great Nymphing Trick (One Seam) READ: Troutbitten | Recognize A Dead Drift READ: Troutbitten | That's Not A Dead Drift Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Aug 13, 2022

With season four of the Troutbitten Podcast, we're back to the Skills Series format, with tightly packed, tactical episodes that cover one topic in depth. This season, we're digging into the three styles of dry dropper. This first episodes is an overview of the three styles, along with a good discussion about why and when we enjoy fishing dry dropper in the first place. Dry dropper sounds like a great idea. Just add nymph below a dry fly and catch fish on both offerings, right? But it's not that easy. And there are some real consequences. I argue that it's impossible to fish both flies perfectly, so by recognizing three distinctly different styles of rigging and fishing dry dropper, we make choices -- what fly will we prioritize and how will we get great drifts? In 2019, I published a full series on these Three Styles of Dry Dropper on the Troutbitten Website. You can find them here: READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Light Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Standard Dry Dropper READ: Troutbitten | Three Styles of Dry Dropper -- Tight Line Dry Dropper Now, with this Skills Series on the Troutbitten Podcast, my friend, Austin Dando, joins me for a deep dive beyond the framework of these styles. This podcast series is an excellent companion for the article series. Because “fishing dry dropper” can really mean a lot of things. And each of these styles has many moments when it's the clear winner. So, the next time someone talks about dry dropper fishing, ask them what style -- because there's a lot of room for variety. Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jul 24, 2022

We’re in between podcast seasons and on a bit of a summer break. But I wanted to keep in touch here. I’d like to tell you more about the Troutbitten Project -- about all of the branches, what’s coming next and how all of this ties together. Season Four of the Troutbitten podcast begins on August 14th. It’s a five-part tactical series on Dry Dropper styles . We followed the same platform — or style — in season two, when we covered the Nine Essential Skills of Tight Line and Euro Nymphing . These are compact, informational episodes that detail one narrowly focused topic. I’ll be joined again by my friend, Austin Dando, to build through the framework of this fun, effective style. And by the end of the series, you should have a thorough understanding of the three styles for dry dropper. Maybe you’ve never thought of dry dropper this way. But the point is, there are three drastically different ways that we fish dry dropper. The rigs, the casting, the tactics and the intentions for each style are unique to each method. And sure, there’s some crossover, but in many ways, these styles are more different than they are similar. I call them Light Dry Dropper, Bobber Dry Dropper (or standard dry dropper for you purists out there) and Tight Line Dry Dropper. READ: Troutbitten | Series | Three Styles of Dry Dropper So that podcast series — Season Four — begins August 14th. But now’s a good time to mention that this full Dry Dropper series already exists on the Troutbitten website. The Three Styles of Dry Dropper is a four part series that I published on Troutbitten a few years ago. That series gets a lot of traffic every year, and I receive a lot of questions on the styles. So there’s more to be said, and I think it’s the perfect choice for our second installment of the skills series format on the podcast. Here’s the point: everything at Troutbitten ties together. None of it stands alone. Troutbitten started as a fishing blog eight years ago. Then it became the place where I published my tactical articles and best stories. Because as the traffic grew, ad revenue from the site added up to more than I could make with magazine placements and book contracts. By following that route, I maintained the copyright to my own works, so I can still do things like this — taking the Dry Dropper Styles series and building a podcast around the topic. It ends up that the choices I made years ago, fortuitously setup everything that Troutbitten has grown into. And because it’s so much more than a website now, I refer to all of this as the Troutbitten Project. The website, the podcast, the YouTube channel and the shop -- all of it ties together . . . Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jul 17, 2022

Hey Troutbitten friends, Season three of the podcast is finished, and season four begins in just a few weeks. But in this time off, I have something special for you. I was recently a guest on the Wade Out There podcast with Jason Shemchuk. We had a fun discussion about family, kids and fly fishing. Then we got technical about streamer tactics, presentations and efficiencies. Jason started Wade Out There in 2019 as an author and artist focused on fly fishing for trout. He recently published episode 100 of the podcast, and I’m happy to be his first repeat guest. That’s the conversation I’m sharing here. You can find all of Jason’s excellent work over at WadeOutThere.com . And you can easily find his podcast series through any service or podcast player. So I hope you enjoy listening to my talk with Jason Shemchuck. I’ll also be back next week in your podcast feed with a short episode about the Troutbitten project. So until then . . . fish hard, friends. Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jul 3, 2022

Versatility is a Troutbitten mantra. It’s the way we fish. In fact, it’s why we fish a fly rod, because whatever way the trout wish to feed, we can show them flies that represent that food form. And while some anglers hit the river with one thing in mind, with one fly box and one set of tools, it’s our ability to adapt, to adjust and modify our approach, that makes a lifetime on the water so interesting. Sure, we focus on our favorite tactics, and we may spend the next half a year just perfecting our dry fly game in tight cover. But once these skills are learned, then knowing that we can throw anything at any time, having a full set of skills at the ready, is a rewarding and enjoyable approach to fly fishing for trout. Pursuing this kind of versatility also keeps us in the game for a lifetime. We are forever working on the next idea, refining new casts and another approach. Eventually, we develop such a facility with these skills that we begin to combine them, breaking free from the common and standard approach and landing on new ways to get a dead drift or move a streamer. Creation becomes the goal. Design becomes our drive. And experimentation leads to more answers that lead to more questions. All of it is our reward for being a versatile angler. But of course, nothing comes easy either. The beginning angler should probably refrain from branching out too much at first. Because too much versatility becomes confusing. It leads to frustration. There are stages. There are tools. There are systems for being versatile on the water. And there’s a time for all of it. So that’s what we’re here to talk about tonight. Here for our season three finale is a full house: Austin Dando, Trevor Smith, Josh Darling, Bill Dell and Matt Grobe. We Cover the Following Is versatility the opposite of specialization? Learn it all, then use it all The fly rod is supremely versatile Do you need a lot of gear to be versatile? What is a versatile fly rod Carrying systems Knowing when to change Finding a good reason to change Have a plan and test it Versatility within one style How versatility solves the daily mystery Resources READ Troutbitten | Fly Shop Fluorocarbon Too Expensive? Try Invizx READ: Troutbitten | Use a Versatile and General Fly Rod READ: Troutbitten | Find Feeding Fish READ: Troutbitten | Look for the Changeout Spots READ: Troutbitten | Find Your Rabbit Hole Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 26, 2022

I've been building the Night Fishing for Trout Series here on Troutbitten for many years. It's an ongoing series of chapters that cover some of what I’ve learned about trout after dark. But I’m careful with that word “learned.” Sure, I’ve come a long way in the fifteen years or so that I’ve spent night fishing. And time on the water has taught me things both by fish in the net and through repeated failure. I’ve gone through a period of time where I dedicated a few years to night fishing as my primary motivation, fishing after dark at least once a week, even through the winter months, and spending a lot more than that under the dark summer sky. What I’ve learned is often very different than the stuff that’s supposed to work. And then again, some of it matches up pretty well. Then, after over a decade of night fishing as a solitary endeavor I met my friends Josh Darling and Trevor Smith, who join me on this podcast episode. These guys somehow found that same rare drive to search and discover after dark, and it’s more than just a passing fad for them. They’ve dug deeper into the shadows than anyone else I’ve met. I Iearn from them. They are my trusted fishing friends. Their experience becomes my own. Their reports, their observations, are nearly as valuable as having my own boots in the water. These guys night fish, and they fish hard. So for this podcast episode, our goal is to provide an overview, some kind of path down the lonely, dark and wonderfully mysterious road that is night fishing. We Cover the Following Motivation Places Planning Moonlight, Starlight and City Light Headlights, Flashlights and Glow-in-the-Dark stuff The tactics of drifting and swinging Water Types Fly Types Big Trout and Finding the Right Locations Fighting Fear Accepting the Mystery The Rods and Lines Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Night Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- People, Places and Things READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- Moonlight, Starlight and City Light READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- You're Gonna Need a Bigger Rope READ: Troutbitten | Night Fishing for Trout -- Spaces READ: Troutbitten | Hell-Hot Sun and the Strawberry Moon Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 18, 2022

So, you know how you see something from far away and it looks really great? It’s almost perfect. But if you look a little closer, even from a long distance, you might start to find a few things that aren’t quite right. But it’s good . . . it’s still pretty good. When you get even closer, you notice more problems. And when you’ve been around it for a long time, you can’t help but see many, many things that could be better. Well . . . that’s the fly fishing industry. And I don’t just mean the companies and the big names either. I mean the whole thing: the full scale, from Instagram hashtags and big internet groups to the few anglers that hang out at your local bar. The industry trends, these habits, these practices — some of them just seem wrong. And the gear, the ads, videos and articles, — a lot of it kind of steers people in the wrong direction. So we thought we’d have a little fun with this and call out as many issues as we can fit into one podcast. Yes, we’re here to criticize and complain a bit. But it's all in good fun. And quite honestly, I think most of the things we’ll bring up could certainly benefit from a fair dose of constructive criticism. Think of this as a cleansing. It’s a chance to bring everything out into the open — from the dark corners and into the sunlight. I'm joined by my friends Josh Darling, Austin Dando, Trevor Smith, Matt Grobe and Bill Dell. We Cover the Following Purists. Elitism The warm water police Spot burning Weather complainers Marketing to lifestyle anglers Mean people Euro anything Cheap gear Telling anglers to be specialized Leaky Waders The squeezing fish hold The knuckles hold People who comment without reading article, watching full video, or listening to whole podcast Club Fishing The assumption that "experts" knows more than you about fishing Anyone pretending that catching fish doesn't matter Resources READ: Troutbitten | What to Trust READ: Troutbitten | Use a Versatile Fly Rod READ: Troutbitten | Holding a Trout -- Their Heart In Your Hands READ: Troutbitten | Angler Types in Profile -- Goldilocks READ: Troutbitten | Why Wild Trout Matter READ: Troutbitten | Posted -- Club Fish -- 2065 Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 12, 2022

What might commonly be referred to as a junk fly makes its way to the end of my line pretty often. And for certain times of the year, through the summer and through the winter, I lean on junk flies as my go-to staples. But my understanding of junk flies has evolved over time. I get it now. You can’t just put any kind of bright, flashy materials on a hook and fool trout. There’s a reason why trout eat these flies. And there’s a reason why these patterns shine for so long and then fall off at the end of a season. There’s also a huge difference between the way stocked trout respond to some junk flies vs the way wild trout respond. We fish junk flies because they are fun. Because trout move to them more than other flies, sometimes. And because we can often see the fly in the water, allowing us to sight fish and learn something different. What is a junk fly? Why and when do they work? These are the questions for this podcast. I'm joined by the Troutbitten crew: Matt Grobe, Josh Darling, Trevor Smith, Bill Dell and Austin Dando. We Cover the Following Defining a junk fly Is it always a nymph? Why do trout eat junk flies? How do trout respond differently? The Bait and Switch Are they dirty flies? Is it cheating? Does it take less skill to catch trout on a junk fly? . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Super Fly -- The Story of a Squirmy Wormy READ: Troutbitten | Mop Fly Thoughts Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jun 5, 2022

We all miss fish and lose fish on a fly. Why does it happen? Is it an accident? Is it avoidable? And how can we improve our hookup and landing ratio on the water? If you’re at the point where you’re worrying about why you are missing and losing fish, then really. . . you know you’re already doing a lot of things right. Fooling trout is the hard part. Fly fishing is not easy. And trout — especially wild ones — are not forgiving. They don’t grant you much grace. And rarely do trout take lousy presentations. So if you trick a fish into taking your fly, then pat yourself on the back. And when you start to fool them often enough that you notice a trend of missing or losing fish, then again, just know that you’re doing a lot of things right. Convincing trout that a fake fly is the real thing is tough. The rest? Well, it all comes a lot easier. So, of course we want to land our trout. Missing and losing fish is frustrating after a while, because we sense there’s more that we can do to keep fish buttoned up. And really . . . there is. There are observable causes for trout missing the fly, just as there are mistakes we make on our end that result in another miss or a lost trout. Like everything else in fishing, there’s a lot of nuance to this topic. Reasons and strategies for missed and lost trout change whether it’s dry flies, nymphs, wets or streamers. Maybe a trout refuses our dry fly in a quick swirl as it rejects the pattern in a last second decision. It looks like the trout ate, so we set the hook and even feel the hook touch the fish, but we still miss it. This is not a hook setting error. It’s a presentation error. The fish refused the fly. The same happens with our streamers. And this is where I think we see it the most. When trout charge the streamer and maybe even strike it — but if they don’t eat it, then no amount of perfecting the hook set will catch that fish. So there’s a lot to see and understand, and this conversation helps bring a lot of that to light. We Cover the Following Future podcast season plans (listener question) The difference between missing and losing Slack! The inevitability of missing and losing fish Barbless flies, small flies Hook set speed and length Late sets Why bad drifts create a lot of misses Differences between missing fish on all the fly types The Phantom hook set . . . and more Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 29, 2022

You can’t really learn a river until you’ve learned to fish. You need some confidence in your skills to cover a section of new water, to fish it well and then walk away with some opinions about what that river holds rather than asking questions about your techniques and decisions. Learning a river comes by dedicating your time. You must give a part of your life to a river to learn it from top to bottom. And yes, it takes seasons on the water just to crack the surface. (And it probably takes a decade or more to crack the code.) But for many of us, for those who live a fly fishing life, who dedicate our free time to pursuing trout and learning the game, the questions that a watershed asks are seductive. Why do you find fewer large trout in the lower island section in the fall? What river conditions are required for trout to move to the shallows and comfortably feed after dark? When should you expect the Sulfur hatch, and are there two sizes or just one? These questions have answers. And the more we fish one waterway, the more details we discover, the more data we enter into a catalog of knowledge about a favorite trout stream. Rivers are an ever-changing, complex ecosystem of life, water and land. They are influenced by weather, surrounding community development and sometimes the anglers themselves. Nothing is static. Nothing is truly predictable. But there’s also no denying the habit of trout. And once you spend time wading with these fish, observing their habits and watching how the changes affect their behaviors, then time itself finally stacks in your favor. The observant angler becomes part of that ecosystem. And we begin to predict the paths of trout by instinct. Achieving that level of knowledge is a rare reward. But it is attainable. And the journey toward that knowledge is a respectable pursuit. I’m joined again by the Troutbitten crew, Trevor Smith, Matt Grobe, Bill Dell, and Austin Dando. I can tell you that each of these fishermen know their local waters exhaustively, from to deep to shallow, from bank to bank, winter, spring, summer and fall. They know the rhythms of their waters. We Cover the Following Listener question about dry flies on the Mono Rig Research via maps, books, etc. Trout population and species Learning the flows Exploring from the mouth to the headwaters Season changes and migratory habits . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Dry Flies on the Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | The Last Good Island READ: Troutbitten | Save the Discovery Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 21, 2022

Living a fly fishing life, being Troutbitten, is something that you can’t shake off. Your mind always churns over something tactical, like a fresh spin on an old streamer retrieve. Or maybe you’re daydreaming about the upstream reaches above the water that you chose last weekend -- fishing past dusk before walking out, a mile and a half, under the stars, by yourself, full of the satisfaction that good exploration brings. And you know there’s more to find — still miles of river toward those headwaters. So the questions and that allure of discovery taps you on the shoulder all week long, reminding you of what's to come. The next fishing trip is something to look forward to. And that’s the secret to happiness — always something to look forward to. Something to work on. Something to improve. Something to achieve. These are life goals. And fly fishing for trout, like so many other great pursuits, gives our life a purpose, just by giving us the next thing to look forward to and the next thing to work on. This is why we choose a fly fishing life. This is Troutbitten. And I’d guess that most of our listeners want the same. But here’s the thing: There’s a difference between wanting it and working for it. I think everyone imagines themselves deep into the middle of a sweetheart spot, with no one else around, casting and fishing for big wild trout that are eating our flies and coming to hand. Maybe it’s the rising trout at dusk, or a frenzied streamer bite in the morning as you cover water quickly. Whatever your favorite scenario, these are the idealized moments we imagine when we think of a fly fishing life. And, of course, those moments are there for us. We get a lot of them. And yet, the amount of effort it requires to get there, the preparation, the planning, the failure and frustration requires hard work to get through all of it, and on to those best moments. Doing the hard things. That’s what this podcast is about. What are those hard things? How do we enjoy them? And what kinds of things are overlooked but seem to make all the difference? We Cover the Following Listener question about quantifying improvement in our game Getting up early Refining the casting stroke Perfecting our rigging Efficiency Research of tactics and locations Gear purchase and maintenance Tying and testing flies . . . and more Resources READ: Troutbitten | Al the Things READ: Troutbitten | What to Trust READ: Troutbitten | How to Stay in the Fly Fishing Game for a Lifetime Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 15, 2022

In the last podcast, episode 7 of season 3, we talked about finding your water and finding space. And we acknowledged that everyone wants this. Everyone. I don’t know any fisherman who sets out to fish beside a bunch of strangers for the day. Because part of the experience we seek is getting away from everything else in life, for just a bit. No matter where you are, having some space and some water to call your own is a primary draw. So when you do find a section of river, when you’re deep into the process of dissecting a riffle, run or pool, one of the worst and most frustrating things that can happen is having another angler walk in on you. Specifically, when they wade into the water you are fishing or that you planned to fish very shortly. It’s no fun. It can be maddening. And it can absolutely ruin your day. In some ways, this experience is inevitable. If you fish often enough, you’re going to get front ended, probably sooner than later. And how should we deal with it? Is there really any good way to open a dialogue with someone who rudely jumps in front of you? Does it ever end well? And how much water should we expect to be granted? What’s the standard, anyway? Also, if you round the bend on your walk in, and you see another angler set up in exactly the same water you planned to fish, where should you go? What’s the acceptable distance? How much room should we give each other on the river? Just like the previous episode, this podcast deals with space on the river. But this time, it’s not about finding space as much as how we share it. Sometimes, we’re forced to share more than we’d like. Other times, there’s simply no question that another angler has broken the code. And how do we deal with that? This is our topic. We Cover the Following: Thoughts on secret patterns Some worst cases of front-ending Thee two types of anglers who front end you Can you actually educate anyone about the code? What are the unwritten rules about fishing space? Ethics and etiquette Resources READ: Troutbitten | Front Ended -- Can We Stop Doing This to Each Other? READ: Troutbitten | Why Everyone Fishes the Same Water, and What to do About It READ: Troutbitten | Some Days Are Diamonds -- Some Days Are Rocks Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 8, 2022

Every angler wants to fish somewhere new — someplace untouched. We want novel experiences. Something about trout fishing, about catch and release and about throwing flies, attracts the explorer. Long term anglers are most often the adventurers. They’re the pathfinders — the ones who find the qualities of solitude and peace more important than fishing big-name waters or catching a bunch of trout. And these days, one of the most common complaints heard among fishermen is about crowded waters. People say there are more anglers than ever and that you can’t get away from all the fishermen out there. But I think you can. And, In turn, one of the most common questions I receive is how to find the offbeat waters, where are the places that everyone doesn’t fish? Inevitably, people ask about these places because they want to see fewer anglers. That solitude on a trout stream is there if you truly want it. By putting in the time to learn your waters, you’ll find the under-fished areas. If you want space, if you want to find your own water, it’s there for you. Think about where and when. Consider the conditions. And learn to recognize the habits of anglers — because they are always predictable. Avoid every access with a clever name like Rainbow Riffle or Three Dollar Bridge. Sure, the fishing might be great, but these are not the places to find your space. And if you roll up to a popular access of a blue ribbon trout stream, if it’s noon on a Sunday, if it’s June with prime flows and sunny skies, then stop complaining about the cars and anglers. That’s your choice. It’s on you. And by making that choice, you’re now part of the predictable habits of anglers. We Cover the Following Are there really more anglers? The effects of weather on angler pressure How the habits of anglers are predictable Popular water, unpopular spots Popular waters, uncommon times Lesser known waters Exploring, walking Resources READ: Troutbitten | Why Everyone Fishes the Same Water, and What to do About It READ: Troutbitten | Cover Water, Catch Trout READ: Troutbitten | Explore | Learn | Return READ: Troutbitten | Save the Discovery READ: Troutbitten | One Thing at a Time Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

May 1, 2022

This episode is about fly casting — why it matters more than anything, and how we can improve our accuracy and control over the system with just a few key adjustments. All fly fishing styles require good casting skills. My friends and I fish a Mono Rig for most underwater presentations. But this tight line approach for nymphs and streamers falls apart without the ability to cast and manage a long leader, through the air, exactly like a fly line. I say it all the time about tight line and euro nymphing — it’s casting, not lobbing — at least, it should be. Lobbing can get things done for a while, but to get anywhere beyond the basics, or even to get under the bankside tree limbs, we need good casting form. So we build loops with a great casting stroke, and then place not just the fly where we want it, but the tippet and leader in the best position too. Ironically, it takes refined fly casting skill to cast a Mono Rig. All of us here fish long leaders and short ones. We choose a powerful Mono Rig for pushing nymphs and streamers around, and we cast dry flies with a fly line too. We fish a pure tight line with a single nymph, we fish dry dropper styles, yarn indys with short leaders and fly line, and streamers with sinking lines sometimes. All of it, every bit of it, requires the same casting fundamentals and the ability to control lengths of line in the air. And we must build casting loops with speed for the line to go anywhere. It’s fly fishing. So it starts with fly casting. We break down some of our best tips for fly casting that apply to beginners and advanced anglers alike. We go through the essentials and some advanced ideas that apply to all fly casting styles, from dry flies to nymphs to streamers. We Cover the Following Correcting casting mistakes in the drift Cradling the rod, and finding the balance point Speed. short, crisp motions and clean stops Turnover Limit false casting, but use it for purpose Oval in the rod tip travel The casting V (10 and 2) Distance discipline Don’t reach Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Casting READ: Troutbitten | Bob's Fly Casting Wisdom READ: Troutbitten | Fly Casting -- Squeeze It READ: Troutbitten | Fly Casting -- Acquire Your Target Before the Pickup READ: Troutbitten | Fly Casting -- Don't Reach Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 24, 2022

This episode is about exploring the water types of a river to find hungry trout. And we’re thinking beyond just fast water, slow water, riffles, runs and pools. Sure, recognizing the basic features of the stream you’re fishing is a great starting point. But this is Troutbitten, so you know we’re going to take things a bit further. We want to know more. And what matters most is where trout are feeding -- and why. Find feeding fish. When we’re on the water, it’s priority one. The rivers we fish are full of wild trout. They are everywhere. But just because trout are holding in a piece of water doesn’t mean they are feeding there. And, moment to moment, we’re searching for where trout are feeding in the river. We talk a lot about solving the daily puzzle, about the on-the-river mystery presented anew every time we wet our boots, and even every time we round the next bend. That mystery really begins with finding feeding fish. Where are the hungry ones? What event or condition has trout ready to feed, on the hunt, or eager to intercept an easy meal? Rivers are in a perpetual state of change, and the trout’s feeding patterns respond to those changes. There are a number of factors that encourage trout to move into and feed in certain types of water. While the real-world conditions and events are infinite, there are five major factors that influence where and how trout feed in a river. They are: water temperature, water levels and water clarity, hatches, bug and baitfish activity, light conditions, and spawning activity. And if we learn to recognize all of this, we have the keys to the puzzle. We Cover the Following Listener question about leader changes Trout response to various water temperatures Trout response to water levels Trout response to water clarity How trout respond to hatches How baitfish activity influences trout feeding How the spawning activity of various species provides feeding opportunities for trout Resources READ: Troutbitten | Find Feeding Fish READ: Troutbitten | Finding Bite Windows READ: Troutbitten | Where to Find Bigger Trout Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 17, 2022

Something electric happens when we hook into the fish of the day, the fish of the season or maybe the fish of a lifetime. Our hearts beat faster. The adrenaline pumps because the stakes are raised. This is the fish we’ve been waiting for, and we don’t want to lose the opportunity. And that feeling never fades. Across fishing styles and over the centuries, fishermen are captivated by these big-fish moments. And though the feeling never grows old, our ability to control our response and control the fish using the right moves with the rod, the reel and the line improves. With each loss, we learn the hard way. With each story about the one that got away, we replay our mistakes and plan to avoid the same errors next time. And as we wait, as we hunt for the next big trout, we practice these moves on the average trout. We form good habits for line recovery, for slack management, side pressure, optimal fighting angles and the all-important closing moves of the last ten feet. So, as much as we focus on the intricacies of fly selection, casting technique and drift speed, often, what we remember most is the moment when the biggest trout we’ve ever seen makes it to our net. It’s that conclusion — that happy ending that provides the capstone to so much of our journey. Fighting bigger fish is an equal-parts mix of preparation, instinct and luck. And at least a third of that formula, we’re in control of. In this episode, I’m joined by my fishing friends, Trevor Smith, Bill Dell, Austin Dando, Josh Darling and Matt Grobe. We Cover the Following The largest trout we've ever lost Forming good habits with smaller trout Fighting fish upstream Working with a trout and not against it Where in the water column to fight a trout Knowing the strength of your tools Side pressure Closing the distance, and the last ten feet Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fighting Fish READ: Troutbitten | Category | Big Trout READ: Troutbitten | Fighting Fish -- The Last Ten Feed READ: Troutbitten | Fighting Fish -- Work With a Trout and Not Against It Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 10, 2022

One of the greatest attractions to fly fishing can also present one of the biggest barriers. It’s the bugs. The aquatic insects that make up the bulk of a trout’s food base are intriguing, but they’re also somewhat mysterious The advanced angler explores the nuances of these bugs. Some insects are good swimmers and emerge fast, so a presentation outside of a pure dead-drifted nymph might be the trigger that turns trout on. Likewise, understanding the life cycle of a mayfly helps us realize why seeking out and imitating the spinner stage is one of the best dry fly opportunities on the river. These are the kinds of things to know about trout bugs. This is why we follow the hatches. We pay attention and try to meet the trout on their own terms -- give them more of what they’re eating right now. Understanding everything we can about these bugs and how trout respond to them is a big piece of the puzzle that we’re trying to solve out there. And sometimes, it’s the keystone. Because at certain times, the bug life of a river is the central player in a trout’s daily life. In this episode, I’m joined by my fishing friends, Trevor Smith, Bill Dell, Austin Dando, Josh Darling and Matt Grobe. We Cover the Following Listener question about the sustainability of catch and release A walk-through of the major hatches throughout our season Differences from east to west and more How mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies and midges differ in their availability to trout Why spinner falls are such a great opportunity How the hatches affect our strategy from top to bottom Resources READ: Troutbitten | You Don't Have to Match the Hatch READ: Troutbitten | The George Harvey Leader Design READ: Troutbitten | Are We Taking the Safety of Trout Too Far? READ: Troutbitten | In Defense of Catching and Counting Fish — Why numbers in the Net Matter Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Apr 2, 2022

Casting, drifting, swinging and stripping -- everything else is downtime. As Paul said, “Brother, there are no flying fish in Montana” — or anywhere else, for that matter. Flies in the water — that’s where we want them. A trout at the end of the line. That’s what we’re aiming for. But there are seemingly endless tasks required for a fishing trip. And how we approach those chores really defines the way our day will go — simply because our fly is either in the water . . . or it’s not. How we prepare the night before, our system for carrying tippet, our strategy for choosing the next fly, and even what we do with the net after releasing a trout — what we do with our time on the water . . . matters. And all of us experience that nagging feeling that something is amiss, that so much more is possible, on those days when we know that we are inefficient. Fly fishing is for the pragmatist. Successful anglers see failure and make the changes to turn it around. And no matter what our natural tendencies — whether we’re a neat freak or a slob at home and at work, the river quickly teaches us that the only way forward is through efficiency. So every long term angler that I know becomes efficient, even if they weren’t born that way. In this episode, I’m joined tonight by my fishing friends, Trevor Smith, Bill Dell, Austin Dando and Matt Grobe. We Cover the Following Finding a system. Finding routines for everything. Vest/ Pack strategies Organizing gear Pre-trip preparation Leader changes Knot tying Wading staff Traveling strategy Don't be late! Rod storage Resources READ: Troutbitten | Find Your System READ: Troutbitten | The Inefficiency of Inexperience READ: Troutbitten | Look for the Changeout Spots READ: Troutbitten | What About the Wading Staff? READ: Troutbitten | Find Your Rhythm Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 27, 2022

Season Three begins with a round-table discussion about fishermen's secrets and what happens when we give up the most sensitive of them -- spot burning. My full panel of fishing buddies is back for this third season: Austin Dando, Trevor Smith, Josh Darling, Bill Dell and now Matt Grobe. We kick off season three with one of the most contentious topics in fly fishing. Holding secrets is human nature. And some of us keep confidential our favorite flies, tactics and more. But when it comes to spots -- locations and where we fish -- discretion is a kindness that we lend to other anglers. Secrets are part of the legacy of fishing. Exploring and locating places that are special to each of us is part of what keeps us coming back. We like to think that we’ve discovered something that is uncommon or unknown. And we learn that sharing information with the wrong people or in the wrong way can easily destroy a secret by making the uncommon, common. As for spot burning, it’s bad because of what it does to other anglers.. Every piece of water is someone else’s sweetheart spot. So we refrain from naming names and locations out of respect for everyone else. And if you hear yourself saying, “It’s okay because everybody knows about that spot,” think again. That’s our take on it. We Cover the Following Question from a listener regarding knot tying tips Question from a listener regarding the toughest skill in fly tying Types of secrets Secret flies Secret tactics What is spot burning The negative impact of spot burning Nuances of spot burning Sharing without sharing too much The hypocrisy of secrets Remember, each of these podcasts is always supported by a companion article of the same topic. READ: Troutbitten | Podcast: Secrets and Spot Burning -- S3 Ep1 Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Secret READ: Troutbitten | Respect the Spots! A Fisherman's Thoughts on Secrets and Spot Burning READ: Troutbitten | Coffee and Secrets READ: Troutbitten | Super Fly -- The Story of a Squirmie Wormie Season Three of the Troutbitten podcast continues with Episode 2 -- Inefficiencies That Waste Your Fishing Time. So look for that one in your Troutbitten podcast feed. Fish hard, friends. Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 21, 2022

Hello, friends. Season two of the Troutbitten podcast is finished, and season three begins soon. So in this off week, I have something a little special for you. Recently, I was a guest on the Wet Fly Swing podcast with Dave Stewart . So this is a feed drop of that episode in full. Dave runs a great show, and he’s been at it for a long time. I was happy to be a guest for the second time with Dave. And in this episode, we dig into a lot of streamer tactics, some nymphing techniques, and we have a good talk about what happens during the transition from winter into spring fishing. I hope you enjoy it. And if you do, go check out more at wetflyswing.com . With over 300 episodes in the bank, Dave talks with some of the most knowledgeable and entertaining fly fishers in the game. I’ve learned a lot from Dave’s podcast over the years. I hope you enjoy listening to my talk with Dave Stewart. So until next week . . . fish hard, friends. ** NOTE ** Season Three begins next week. We return to the Season One format of full-panel discussions covering all things fly fishing for trout. And we're looking forward to it.

Mar 13, 2022

Season Two concludes with a round table discussion for answering the most common questions about tight line and euro nymphing skills. My full panel of friends, Austin, Bill, Trevor and Josh join me to get deep in the weeds of the tactics, to clear up misconceptions, and offer their own ideas. As Episode nine published, I realized there were many questions left to be answered. Daily, I received messages about a variety of techniques discussed in these nine essential skills. And the same themes cropped up. Anglers struggled with the same concepts. And those misunderstandings made their way to my inbox. It made sense to do one more podcast and answer these most popular, important questions. So here's your bonus round . . . We Cover the Following Tuck casting in cover and using sidearm angles Tuck casting doesn't need to be vertical Reading sighter for contact vs reading sighter for the strike zone More tips on finding the strike zone Forcing contact and using the extremes Tippet length variability Developing accuracy with more speed Refining the cast Leader diameter vs leader power Tips for fishing around structure Remember, each of these podcasts is supported by a companion article of the same topic. And you can find the full overview of the Nine Essential Skills for Tight line and Euro Nymphing here: READ: Troubitten | Bonus Round Q&A with Full Panel -- Tight Line Skills Series, #10 RESOURCES READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Full the Mono Rig System -- All the Variations, with Leader Formulas and Adjustments READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing Strategies -- Tuck Cast READ: Troutbitten | Put More Juice in the Cast READ: Troutbitten | The Top Down Approach READ: Troutbitten | Over or Under -- Your Best Bet on Weight ** NOTE ** Season Three begins in a coupe weeks. We return to the Season One format of full-panel discussion covering all things fly fishing for trout. And we're looking forward to it. Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Mar 6, 2022

Here we are at the finish line. In this ninth installment of this Troutbitten Skills Series, my friend, Austin Dando, and I walk through some of the best tips for putting it all together. Because this set of skills, performed in order and flowing from one to the next, results in a great drift that starts and finishes in a convincing, trout-catching presentation. Here are those nine skills: Angle and Approach Turnover and Tuck Cast Sticking the Landing Recovering Slack Finding Contact Locating the Strike Zone Guiding the Flies The Strike Putting it all Together Each of them now has its own podcast and its own article that lays out the tactics in detail. Tight line tactics are infinitely refinable. There is no end to how much better you can make the next drift. And if you get it perfect, then the next seam challenges you all over again. Contact and true control over the flies is a responsibility, and I’ve seen it overwhelm people at times. So, putting a number on the most basic skills and putting them in order makes things manageable. That is the purpose of this system -- this series -- of nine essential skills. We Cover the Following Practice by imagining Don't be intimidated Trusting the transitions Finding the failures Focusing on just one Seeing success How fast the middle steps happen Watching the entrance and the exit of the flies Judging success Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Get a Good Drift, Then Move On READ: Troutbitten | What To Trust READ: Troutbitten | Trout Like to Do What Their Friends Are Doing READ: Troutbitten |Asking the Best Questions to Catch More Trout Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 28, 2022

The strike is the best part of fishing. It’s what we’re all out there waiting for, or rather, what we’re trying to make happen all day long. And the trout eats because we get so many things right. When the fish strikes, we strike back. Short, swift and effective, the hook finds flesh. Then we try to keep the trout buttoned up, and get it to the net. In this podcast episode, there are two types of strikes that my friend, Austin Dando, and I focus on. First, there’s the strike from a trout — the take, the hit, the “gimme that I wanna eat it,” from a fish. So we need to recognize and sense that strike. Second, there's our strike — the hook set, the swift rod tip motion that drives the hook point home and attaches us to the trout. So it helps to have a plan and give some thought to how that’s done too. Remember, fooling trout is the hard part. The rest of this — hooking and landing a fish, comes much easier. We Cover the Following Are hook sets really free? Set on anything? Set on anything unusual or unexpected Difference of over or under weighting Is there a sixth sense? Direction of the hook set How far? How fast? Fly rod types and hook sets The Check Set Can you ever set too fast? Slack and hook sets Remember, each of these podcasts is supported by a companion article of the same topic. And you can find the full overview of the Nine Essential Skills for Tight line and Euro Nymphing here: READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | #8 The Strike -- Nine Essential Skill for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing Strategies -- Plan for the Hookset READ: Troutbitten | Don't Guess -- Set the Hook and Set Hard READ: Troutbitten | Hook Set at the End of Every Drift READ: Troutbitten Tight Line Nymphing Skills -- The Check Set Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 20, 2022

Part Seven of this Troutbitten Skills Series focuses on guiding the flies. Once the nymphs are cast and settled into the target seam, it's time to take them to the trout. Guiding the flies is a blend of two skills that I call leading and tracking. At the core, this skill of guiding the flies is fishing the flies. And this is what anglers tend to focus on most — for good reason. It’s the longest in duration. It’s the most active, and has the most room for variation. In truth, there are number of ways to dead drift nymphs through one seam. And the choices we make are about how much influence we want to have on the flies. A leading approach puts the angler in charge, and a tracking approach let's the river dictate the course of the flies. Guiding the flies is an effort to mix the two. We Cover the Following The advantages of leading Control, contact and the dead drift Over weighting The advantages of tracking Less control with fewer options, but a truer drift? Under weighting Is pure tracking possible? Guiding as a mix of the two Slipping contact Find the perfect weight Why use both? Why guiding works. Remember, each of these podcasts is supported by a companion article of the same topic. And you can find the full overview of the Nine Essential Skills for Tight line and Euro Nymphing here: READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | #7 Guiding the Flies -- Nine Essential Skill for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Leading vs Tracking vs Guiding the Flies READ: Troutbitten | Tracking the Flies READ: Troutbitten | How to Lead the Flies Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 13, 2022

Part six of this Troutbitten Skills Series is about locating the strike zone. This zone of water -- this cushion near the bottom of the river -- is the default target and the baseline location for our flies. Most of what happens in a river occurs in the strike zone. It's where the trout spend most of their time. It's where the bugs and baitfish live. Understanding everything about the strike zone allows us to know exactly how and where we want to present the nymph. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me to help break down and understand this crucial concept. Unlocking this knowledge — understanding the strike zone -- then finding it and drifting your flies there, is perhaps the most pivotal moment in your nymphing skills progression. It changes everything. We Cover the Following What is the strike zone? Why is the strike zone important? Why gliding the strike zone outperforms touching the bottom Touching bottom to find the strike zone Watching the sighter speed to find the strike zone Gliding through the strike zone Deviating our drifts in and out of the strike zone The downshift Depth and speed of the strike zone More on reading the sighter Remember, each of these podcasts is supported by a companion article of the same topic. And you can find the full overview of the Nine Essential Skills for Tight line and Euro Nymphing here: READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | #6 Locating the Strike Zone -- Nine Essential Skill for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 6, 2022

Part five of this Troutbitten Skills Series is about finding contact. Because after the tuck cast , after we stick the landing and begin to recover slack , we need to find contact on sighter. Contact is visual. It's about reading the sighter to know that we are in touch with the flies from rod tip to the nymph or split shot. It's not about touching or ticking the riverbed. Instead, the contact we're looking for is seen on the sighter. With contact, we know everything about the depth and speed of our flies. We know where they are, and we determine where they are going. That's the advantage of a tight line (contact) nymphing system. Importantly, this does not mean we are directly in touch at all times with the fly, because we often get better drifts without such direct influence over the nymphs. But without contact at points through the drift (and sometimes the whole way) we are simply guessing about the location of the flies. To take advantage of the ultimate control that tight line and euro nymphing rigs offer, we must learn to read contact on the sighter -- to know we are in touch and know where the flies are. Reading the sighter and finding contact is critical. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me on episode five for an in-depth discussion of this technique. We Cover the Following Contact is seen, not felt Reading the sighter Sighter material and construction The Backing Barrel The bow in the sighter Nervous sighter Seeing beyond the sighter Contact let's us trust the sighter Forcing contact Remember, each of these podcasts is supported by a companion article of the same topic. And you can find the full overview of the Nine Essential Skills for Tight line and Euro Nymphing here: Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ; Troutbitten | #5 Finding Contact -- Nine Essential Skill for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Contact is Visual READ: Troutbitten | The Backing Barrel might be the best sighter ever READ: Troutbitten | Design and Function of the Standard Troutbitten Mono Rig Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Feb 1, 2022

Part four of this Troutbitten Skills Series focuses on recovering slack. To dead drift a nymph, we cast it upstream. And as the river flows downstream, it sends the fly back toward us, creating slack. Usually, we simply pick up that slack and maintain contact with the fly (sometimes directly, sometimes slightly). Slack maintenance is a critical skill. It’s line management. And if the goal is to be in contact with the nymphs and know where they are -- if this is a tight line rig -- then allowing too much slack in the system destroys everything that we’re working toward. Managed slack is part of an advanced skill set. And that’s very much what we do by starting with a tuck cast . Then, after sticking the landing , we’re in a great position to continue those advanced skills. We recover the slack in three ways: by lifting the rod tip, by leading the rod tip, and with the line hand. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me on Episode Four for an in-depth discussion of these techniques. (Season three will return to my full panel of friends, with longer form discussion about all things fly fishing.) We Cover the Following Maintaining contact Slipping contact Letting the river decide Managed slack The Lift and Lead Line hand recovery The Pulley Retrieve Trimming the sighter Dealing with wind Remember, each of these podcasts is supported by a companion article of the same topic. And you can find the full overview of the Nine Essential Skills for Tight line and Euro Nymphing here: READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ; Troutbitten | #4 Recovering Slack -- Nine Essential Skill for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | The Pulley Retrieve (with VIDEO) READ: Troutbitten | The Lift and Lead READ: Troutbitten | Leading vs Tracking vs Guiding Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jan 26, 2022

Part three of this Troutbitten Skills Series focuses on sticking the landing. Because after putting ourselves in great position to present the fly, we shouldn't waste the perfect tuck cast and delivery. As the fly hits the water, all the elements of our system are in position and ready to drift. That's sticking the landing. Like a gymnast who tumbles, somersaults and then lands on two feet with no body movement, the best completion of a cast happens with no extra movement. Instead of landing and then recovering or correcting, we stick the landing, ready to drift. My friend, Austin Dando, joins me on Episode Three for an in-depth discussion of this technique. (Season three will return to my full panel of friends, with longer form discussion about all things fly fishing.) We Cover the Following What sticking the landing looks like Position of rod tip, leader, sighter and tippet Why it matters Maximizing the drift time Preserving good slack with tippet position Sighter angle Leading angle The negative results of reaching Where to stop the forward cast Correcting mistakes Remember, each of these podcasts is supported by a companion article of the same topic. And you can find the full overview of the Nine Essential Skills for Tight line and Euro Nymphing here: READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ; Troutbitten | #3 Stick the Landing -- Nine Essential Skill for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Stick the Landing While Tight Lining READ: Troutbitten | When the First Cast Matters Most READ: Troutbitten | It's Casting, Not Lobbing READ: Troutbitten | Put More Juice in the Cast Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jan 19, 2022

Part two of this Troutbitten Skills Series focuses on the tuck cast. A good tuck is a turnover cast -- where the loops unfolds completely in the air. In fact, a tuck cast is a fly-first entry, and it's perfect for setting up the tight line advantage, where we keep everything up and out of the water that we possibly can. We tuck cast not just to get deeper, but to setup the fly, tippet, sighter and leader in the best possible position to drift the flies down one seam. Accuracy starts with a good tuck, and not just accuracy over where the fly goes, but where all the parts of the leader go too. My friend, Austin Dando, joins my on Episode Two for an in-depth discussion of this technique. (Season three will return to my full panel of friends, with longer form discussion about all things fly fishing.) Remember, this is part two of a nine-part skill set. Think of a Troutbitten Skills series as a course in one topic or one aspect of fly fishing, with different sections that eventually build a full set of knowledge. Each of these podcasts is supported by a companion article of the same topic. And you can find the full overview of the Nine Essential Skills for Tight line and Euro Nymphing here: READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ; Troutbitten | #2 Turnover and Tuck Casting -- Nine Essential Skill for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing We Cover the Following The fly first entry The tight line advantage True turnover Casting vs lobbing Put more juice in the cast Leader design Rod power Loading the rod and feeling the tug Leader power / Leader push Angles and depths of a good tuck cast Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Turnover and Tuck Casting READ: Troutbitten | The Tuck Cast READ: Troutbitten | It's Casting, Not Lobbing READ: Troutbitten | Put More Juice in the Cast READ: Troutbitten | Turnover Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Jan 17, 2022

Season two of the Troutbitten podcast comes in a new format. It's a mini-series of connected episodes that build out a set of specific tactics. The topic for this first skills series is the Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing, and I'm joined by my friend, Austin Dando. (Season three will return to my full panel of friends, with longer form discussion about all things fly fishing.) These episodes are short, deeply tactical and packed with the how-to of just one technique -- a tightly focused look at one topic. Each episode is intertwined or woven together with the others that surround it. By the end of this skills series, you’ll have a detailed picture of the tactics — and hopefully a thorough understanding of what’s possible on the water. Think of a Troutbitten Skills series as a course in one topic or one aspect of fly fishing, with different sections that eventually build a full set of knowledge. Nine for Nine I recently published the last chapter in the nine skills essential for tight line and euro nymphing . Now, we're taking each of these skills and building a podcast around them. The article series and the podcast series go hand in hand. Why? Tight line and euro nymphing is very popular right now. Because it’s an efficient system, and it’s fun. But tight line and euro nymphing is misunderstood too. The many different rigs and methods of casting or delivery are what make all of this so interesting, but it’s what leads to confusion and mistaken concepts about what this is and how to get it done. These nine skills are critical — they are the foundation for everything else that we do with a Mono Rig -- all the indy styles, dry dropper, streamer fishing, etc. Episode One of this skills series is about angle and approach. We Cover the Following The tight line advantage Limiting the range Upstream two and over one Flies track to the rod tip One lane -- one seam Forty-five to forty-five When to end the drift The trouble with casting across Wading discipline Water type Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Nine Essential Skills for Tight Line and Euro Nymphing READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Angle and Approach READ: Troutbitten | One Great Nymphing Trick Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 27, 2021

Episode 15 is for story telling. And I'm joined by my friends, Bill, Josh, Austin and Trevor to share memories and make a few plans. This is the final episode for season one of the Troutbitten Podcast. And at the tail end of this busy year, it's a great time for reflections and resolutions. My friends and I share a few lighthearted stories about the dumbest things we've ever done on the river. We also share who and what we miss most from years past. And lastly, we talk about what we want to change most about our fishing lives. It's a great discussion that's both introspective and humorous. It's also the perfect way to wrap up season one of the Troutbitten Podcast. We Cover the Following Dom's snorkeling debacle Josh and Austin, sleeping with the wolf spiders Austin's humble brag on the Blackfoot River Bill's finger problems Trevor's costly fall in What each of us misses most What each of us plans to change for the coming season Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Stories READ: Troutbitten | Your In Too Far Now READ: Troutbitten | All the Things READ: Troutbitten | How It Started READ: Troutbitten | Find Your Rabbit Hole Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 21, 2021

Episode 14 is a deep dive into winter fishing tactics. And I'm joined by my friends, Bill, Josh, Austin and Trevor. Because the trout have different habits in the winter, we refine our approach to meet them on their own terms. Is that . . . low and slow? Sure, sometimes. Nymphing is often seen as the go-to approach, but for the winter trout angler who’s attentive, the opportunities for some great streamer action are there too. Even dry flies can be an option if you keep your eyes open. Why do so few anglers fish in the winter? Well, honestly, because it’s a challenge that many fishermen are not ready for. And while they might hit the water once or twice, so much is different and . . . difficult, that the results often don’t meet expectations. Then the warm fireplace seems the better option, and the fly rod is leaned in the corner until springtime. So, what does it take to catch trout in the winter? That’s what we discuss in this podcast. We Cover the Following Approach, making a plan and choosing water Find the feeding fish Do mornings matter? Limestone vs Freestone differences Do you need to fish midges? The egg bite Streamers in the winter Winter nymph rigging Indicators, and bobber holes Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Winter Fly Fishing READ: Troutbitten | Winter Fishing -- The Go-To Nymphing Rig READ: Troutbitten | Winter Fishing -- The Secondary Nymphing Rig READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing in the Winter -- The System READ: Troutbitten | Modern Streamers: Too Much Motion? Are We Moving Them Too Fast ? Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 15, 2021

In this episode, I get together with my long time friend, Matt Grobe, for a candid, entertaining, fun and technical discussion about wild trout, big trout, and the differences between the fishing cultures and opportunities available in two of the meccas for trout fishing in the states -- Pennsylvania and Montana. Matt has lived and fished hard in both states, and he's been fortunate enough to live a life on the water, not just chasing wild trout, but chasing the big ones. He's always had a knack for turning over the next top tier fish. And in our conversation, Matt offers some great tips for targeting big trout and consistently putting them in the net. Matt Grobe is one of the best fishermen that I know. He’s honest and realistic. He values wild trout, and he hates the shortcut. Matt doesn’t fish setups. He earns every trout because he appreciates the experience — the fair chase for wild trout in wild places. He’s a technician on the water, but he’s not competitive. He’s generous but secretive in all the best ways. Matt searches for answers out there, and trout fishing has been part of his life for a long, long time. Matt’s one of my favorite people that I’ve ever shared the water with, and I wish he still lived in Pennsylvania. We Cover the Following The Crossover Technique The origins of naming two foot trout -- yes, Matt started this nonsense Key differences between PA and MT Why Matt focuses on big trout Why does the quality or the origins of big trout matter? Wild vs stocked in PA Do thirty inch trout exist without a setup? Do you need streamers for big trout? Where to target big trout most often Matt's windy bugger technique Resources READ: Troutbitten | From Pennsylvania to Montana and Back READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- Crossover Technique READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Modern Streamers: Too Much Motion? Are We Moving Them Too Fast ? Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Dec 7, 2021

In Episode 12, my friends and I talk about nymphing tactics — specifically, how we take tight line principles and the tight line advantage over to an indicator nymphing system. We know that with refined skills and tactics, we can often make something happen, even on slow days. And there’s really no better way to consistently fool trout — in all conditions — than to get good drifts with a nymph. These small aquatic insects are the primary food source for most trout. And with nymphing skills, we don’t need to wait for rising trout or a streamer bite. Being a nymphing angler is a sustainable and successful approach. We can do it all year long — anywhere that trout live. So what’s the best way to nymph? In this episode, my friends and I dig deep into one of the best ways — a nymphing tactic that I call Tight Line to the Indicator. Because when tight line or euro nymphing fails — for a variety of reasons — the answer, most often, is to take those contact principles — that tight line advantage — and combine it with an indicator system. Because the indy allows us to do things that are simply impossible on a pure tight line. I often make the point, or make this argument, that tight line or contact nymphing tactics can’t be beat — that using the tight line advantage is almost unarguably the best way to get great dead drifts while having control over the course of the flies and great strike detection. But what I mean by that is not just pure tight lining. Because tight line to the indicator style is also part of my system. When it’s the best tool for the job, then putting an indy on a tight line rig is a deadly variation. I build my leader to be ready for it. The rod I carry is designed for it. Because tight line to the indicator is a problem solving approach that gets the job done when pure tight lining simply cannot. We Cover the Following What does this rig look like? What is this Tight line to the indicator approach? Why isn’t this style more popular or well-know? What is so special about going tight line to the indy? When do we use this style? How to line everything up in one seam Landing with contact and without Indicator styles The downsides of this approach Gear for this approach Resources READ: Troutbitten | Tight Line Nymphing with an Indicator -- A Mono Rig Variant READ: Troutbitten | Nymphing Tight Line vs Indicator READ: Troutbitten | One Great Nymphing Trick READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 30, 2021

Pushing through the tough times — dealing with bad weather and difficult conditions — puts you one step ahead of most anglers. The rivers and the parking lots are empty when the wind is howling, the snow is blowing or it’s pouring rain. Sure, we’d all like to fish the sweetheart days. But the more you learn to fight the elements and win — to have success on the water — the more you long for those tough conditions. In this episode, my friends and I talk about fighting the elements. How can we effectively fish through rain, wind, cold weather, ice, snow, hard sun and everything else that nature throws at us? There's always some natural element that we're battling out there (usually it’s more than one). And if we don't have a plan for dealing with these elements, we fail. None of us spends enough time on the water. For the Troutbitten angler, the draw to the river is ever-present. And we plan for the next trip as the previous one winds down. So we fish when we can. Instead of waiting for the best conditions, the die-hard angler fishes because it’s Sunday, or because it’s Tuesday evening after work, or because it’s Monday morning after dropping the kids off at school. Few of us have the luxury to pick and choose our times on the water, so every angler who wishes to fish, quickly learns to deal with tough conditions. Some anglers walk away when the going gets tough. But as we all know, sometimes the best fishing happens in the toughest conditions. So we fish hard. We persevere. We adapt and meet the challenges before us. And quite often, some of our most memorable days happen in these harsh or difficult conditions. So my friends are join me to share some tips, some ideas about how to get through the elements and get to the end of the day, not just with trout in the net, but with lasting memories and satisfaction. It’s not just about meeting the challenges. And it’s not just about having fewer anglers on the water. It’s the satisfaction of being a complete angler. Because you know you can catch trout in the rain, the snow, the cold or the sun. Then instead of shying away from tough conditions, you welcome every new day — no matter the weather -- as a chance to go fishing. Question and Answer Round What are the basic tools needed for fly tying? Does rod balance matter? Why are so many fly anglers also guitar players? Do you most enjoy fishing alone or with a friend? Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fly Fishing in the Winter READ: Troutbitten | Find the best light angles, and see what you're fishing READ: Troutbitten | Fly Fishing in the Winter -- Ice In the Guides? READ: Troutbitten | How to Wet Wade (The Gear and System) READ: Troutbitten | You Stink -- It's the Wader Funk READ: Troutbitten | River and Rain Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 22, 2021

In this tenth podcast, I read a story that I first published with Hatch Magazine in 2016 . It’s titled, The Kid, and it’s one of my favorites. My sons Joey (13) and Aiden (11) join me for the question and answer round. They answer a few questions, and they read a few from podcast listeners. Way back in 2014, I started Troutbitten as a way to document all of this for my two sons. I wanted a record of the fishing stories and the things that I’d learned about trout fishing over the years. Really, that was the goal. Those were the roots of Troutbitten. My boys have been part of my fishing life since their beginnings. They’ve been out there with me since they were born. I was a daytime Dad, and I worked at night. So the boys and I spent many, many days hiking beside rivers, eating lunch streamside and casting into moving water. My goal has always been to give them a base of appreciation for the outdoors and to feel comfortable in nature. Of course I hope they keep fishing with me as they grow older, but if nothing else, they will always have the sounds of a river embedded deep in their memories. Question and Answer Round Joey, what's your favorite way to catch trout? Aiden, what do you like best out there, besides the fishing? Joey, what's the best way to get a kid into fishing? From Podcast Listeners: Does the clinch knot for connecting the leader to the fly line loop cut into the fly line? Has their ever been a time when you wanted to quit fishing? How'd you get through it? What’s the next step for Troutbitten? Have you ever thought about starting a fly shop? Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fishing With Kids READ: Troutbitten | Born to Fish Big READ: Troutbitten | Legendary READ: Troutbitten | The Twenty Dollar Cast READ: Troutbitten | Fishing With Kids -- The Independence Marker READ: Troutbitten | Loop to Loop is Bad -- Try Attaching Your Leader This Way Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 16, 2021

While fishing a streamer, we’re trying to make it look alive . That's the difference. Because, while fly fishing other styles, we spend so much of our time dead drifting dry flies and nymphs and trying to impart no motion, that switching to streamers is a relief. It’s liberating. It’s fun. And so many presentations — so many looks to the streamer — can be attractive and convincing. Because everything works sometimes. But day to day, some retrieves and presentations just work better. And there’s no question about it. Sometimes, hammering the banks with a fast jerk-strip brings the big trout out to play. And other days it’s a soft crossover technique that really turns on those same trout. The joy of streamer fishing is that so many things can work. And trying them all is a great way to spend our time on the water. On a dry fly, I’ll tell you what they want: It’s a dead drift. On a nymph? Same thing. And the closer you can get to that pure, unaltered drift, the more convincing your fly presentation will be. But on streamers? Show them a slow slide or a head flip. Give them a speed lead, a touch-and-go or an endless retrieve. See what works. That’s the fun of streamer fishing. Make the fly look alive in the water. It’s not dead drifting anymore — it’s swimming a living baitfish that can do a bunch of predictable and unpredictable things. Sometimes it seems like the trout are looking for one kind of action on the fly — or at least that’s what turns them on most. Other times, many of these presentations seem to work. But the point is to make that fly swim. Give life to the streamer. Convince the trout that they’re looking at a living, swimming creature. And that's what this podcast conversation is about -- breaking down streamer presentations. How do we move the fly with the line hand and the rod tip, with strips, jigs, twitches and more? This discussion, with four of my best fishing friends, is about what makes each presentations to the fly unique. How does what we do on our end of the line affect what happens at the other end? We Discuss the Following Stripping and hand twisting Line hand motion vs rod tip motion Rod position upon fly entry Contact vs slack Jig, jerks, twitches, pulses, strips Head position Depth Speed Holding seams vs crossing seams Natural vs attractive presentations Make it easy or make them chase Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Streamers READ: Troutbitten | Modern Streamers -- Too Much Motion? READ: Troutbitten | Streamers as an Easy Meal -- The Old School Streamer Thing READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Death Drift READ: Troutbitten | Streamer Presentations -- The Deadly Slow Slide Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 9, 2021

We’re out there to catch trout. That’s what brings us to the water. But how many do we catch? And really, how many should we catch? What are the expectations? And how can we know that we’re fishing well? In some way, maybe none of this matters. It’s not really about numbers, right? it’s about the experience. Sure it is. And we all agree with that. But as I’ve written on Troutbitten, there are two sides to every fisherman — one that just wants to go fishing and is happy to be out there, and another that desperately wants to understand the techniques — to solve the ever present mystery of how to catch more trout. And Troutbitten aims to address both of these sides. In truth, it’s the tactical side that keeps us coming back. Most long-term anglers go fishing to learn something and to improve a skill. And as we learn and refine our craft, we enjoy everything that the woods and the water give to us. The endless discovery is the joy of trout fishing. We’re thankful that it’s different every day, and we know we’ll never learn or experience all of it. So if the goal is to improve and study and refine, then the numbers in the net do matter. Because it’s the trout that ultimately decide if the drift is any good. The trout tell us if we’ve solved that daily mystery. A fish at the end of the line is confirmation that our decisions and efforts are good ones. Counting is a way to gauge our success, not just against how well we did last time out, but how well we are doing compared to what is possible. What’s the bar? What’s the ceiling? How many trout could be caught if we had everything just right — the best fly and the perfect drift. I think every fisherman asks those questions — How am I doing relative to what is possible? And that . . . is what this podcast discussion is about. We Discuss the Following Catch rate vs catch numbers Conditions and expectations Staying grounded What is a catch? Sometimes the goal is not to catch the most trout All fishermen are liars Types of trout and changing expectations How chosen tactics change expectations Resources READ: Troutbitten | Fly Anglers in Profile -- The Numbers Guy READ: Troutbitten | Two Sides to Every Fisherman READ: Troutbitten | How to Fish With Friends READ: Troutbitten | Missing the Mornings Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Nov 3, 2021

This is our seventh podcast episode in the first season. And we’ve done this enough now to get into a rhythm. If you’ve listened to previous episodes, you know that we’ve kept the topics tightly focused on just one aspect of fly fishing for trout. And before we dig into those topics we always do a question and answer session with my friends. But in this episode we mix it up. This is the Freewheelin’ Troutbitten, with an hour long question and answer session — just a freeform conversation about trout fishing on a fly rod and a few other things mixed in. It's a fun discussion filled with details and tactical takeaways, with some good disagreements, differing opinions and good humor. We Discuss the Following Favorite Pheasant Tails Junk Flies Most memorable loss of gear Can you fish an area so much that it becomes unethical? Pet peeves of social media Spot Burning If you had one cast to catch a trout . . . Displacing trout The biggest lies in the fly fishing industry What skill most helps anglers get to the next level? Favorite months of the year to fish What holds anglers back the most? Can trout sense what's coming next? Resources READ: Troutbitten | Confidence Flies -- Seventeen Nymphs READ: Troutbitten | Super Fly READ: Troutbitten | A Fisherman's Thoughts on Friendship and Spot Burning READ: Troutbitten | The Secret READ: Troutbitten | When the First Cast Matters Most READ: Troutbitten | Winter Welcome Home Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 25, 2021

In this episode, my friends join me to share some of their best tips for reading water — seeing a trout stream, recognizing the currents in a river that hold trout and having the confidence to target them. Then we get into the philosophy of Cherry Picking or Full Coverage. That is, the speed at which we cover water. How fast do you move from one place to the next? And what are the merits of hole hopping or trying to efficiently cover every likely piece of river that holds a trout? Because there are a couple of different ways to approach your time out there. And it’s helpful to think about the best ways to use it. Reading water is a skill to be learned intentionally or by accident. Among the hundreds of tactical articles on Troutbitten is a full category for reading water, where each article addresses one facet of the skill. Reading water is something we can all improve upon. By sharing tips, and by understanding how our friends look at the same piece of water, we can see the stream in a whole new way. My friends have some great tips for how they read water. The conversation then turns to cherry picking and full coverage . . . The fisherman’s path leads from one prime spot to the next, leaving a good bit of the river — maybe most of it — unfished. That’s cherry picking. It’s choosing the best pieces of water and ignoring the rest. And it can be a great strategy for catching a bunch of fish . . . sometimes. But there are some caveats, too. Working an entire stretch of water can be harder. But once learned, it might be a more productive long-term strategy. Full coverage of the river reveals a lot more about trout habits and opens up opportunities to grow into a more complete angler. And once you catch on to the rhythm of the process, full coverage is a fun way to fish too. We discuss the merits and the best times for each approach. The Q&A Round Streamer size vs streamer color Organizing fly tying hooks and beads What's more memorable -- losing a big fish or landing one? Why Trevor hates lunch meat Josh and the PBJ revelation We Discuss the Following Potholes in riffles The seams around rocks Finding water that is big-fish-speed Looking upstream to find the seams Find feeding fish, then cherry pick Cherry pick to save time Cherry pick out of necessity Full coverage as a learning tool Full coverage out of necessity Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | Reading Water READ: Troutbitten | Cherry Picking vs Full Coverage READ: Troutbitten | At the Front Door of Every Rock READ: Troutbitten | Look Upstream to Find the Seams READ: Troutbitten | Levels, Resets and New Beginnings READ: Troutbitten | Every Rock Creates Five Seams READ: Troutbitten | Trout Like to Do What Their Friends Are Doing Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Ins Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 19, 2021

After hundreds of Troutbitten articles featuring the versatility of the Mono Rig, now there's a podcast. My friends Josh, Austin, Trevor and Bill join me to discuss how each of us fishes this hybrid rig as a complete fly fishing system, detailing the ultimate flexibility of this amazing tool. The Troutbitten Mono Rig is a hybrid system for fishing all types of flies: nymphs (both tight line and indicator styles), streamers, dry-dropper, wets, and small dry flies. With twenty pound monofilament as a fly line substitute, better contact, control and strike detection are gained with the Mono Rig versus a traditional fly line approach. And yet, the casting here is still a fly line style cast. Ironically, it takes excellent fly casting skills to efficiently throw a Mono Rig. The Mono Rig is similar to tight line and Euro Nymphing styles, however . . . it’s a full system for fishing all fly types, with and without indicators — with and without split shot. The Mono Rig is a very versatile tool. And that’s the focus of this podcast. We all fish similar mono rigs with some variation. And we all use it in different ways, too. Some are slight. Some are major. This discussion provides a full picture of what the Mono Rig really is and what you can do with it — all the options — and all the versatility. We Discuss the Following: Mono Rig Butt Sections and Diameters Tight Line Nymphing Euro Nymphing Tight Line to the Indicator Tight Line Dry Dropper Streamers on the Mono Rig Dry Flies on a Mono Rig Fly Rod Selection for the Mono Rig Resources READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Design and Function of the Troutbitten Standard Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | The Mono Rig and Why Fly Line Sucks READ: Troutbitten | The Full Mono Rig System -- All the variations, formulas and adjustments READ: Troutbitten | Euro Nymphing and the Mono Rig READ: Troutbitten | Beyond Euro Nymphing Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 12, 2021

Keep wild trout wild. Not all trout are created equal, and there are many differences in the trout we catch -- in their appearances and their behaviors. Wild trout, stocked trout, holdover trout, fingerlings and club fish are very much a different breed -- or at least they can seem that way. My friends join me for an honest discussion about the trout we pursue. All of us fish for every kind of trout on the list. And all of these trout hold value -- but not equally. We believe wild trout populations should be protected, wherever they are found. That starts by eliminating the stocking of hatchery trout over wild trout. And it continues by finding struggling wild trout populations and helping them -- strengthening their numbers by improving water quality and habitat. Neither government nor private organizations should be permitted to stock over established wild trout populations. Full stop. Why does a wild trout matter? Because it’s real. Because it’s adaptable. Because it holds the evolutionary genetics for surviving in its own river system. Because it is a strong, lasting creature. Because wild trout are (most often) more challenging to catch. Sometimes they’re harder to find. Because they are survivors. Because they are a symbol of nature’s persistence against human intervention. And a wild trout, in all its beauty, is . . . simply . . . wild. In this episode, we talk about each of the five kinds of trout that we catch, because this hierarchy holds up all across the country, not just here in Pennsylvania. Wild Trout Fingerling Holdover Stockie Club Fish All trout have value. And if you are having a great time catching trout, well, that’s the point. Enjoy it. Get out there, fish hard and have fun. And yet, there’s also nothing wrong with addressing this topic and understanding that there are major differences in the trout we catch. Stocked trout are often nothing like their wild counterparts. This is true. We discuss the following: The harm done by stocking over wild trout Stocked trout habits How to tell the difference The important value of stocked fish How club fish set up expectations We believe that wild trout, wherever they are found, should be kept wild and given a chance. It's important to recognize the exceptional value of wild trout and to understand the limited value of the stocked trout. We should not get them confused. By pushing for regulations that protect wild trout and enhance their habitat we can prepare a better future. By choosing to showcase wild fish over hatchery fakes we send a signal. Value the wild trout. Protect it. Catch it, and release it. And yes, value the stocked trout for what it is. Resources READ: Troutbitten | The Hierarchy of Trout In Pennsylvania READ: Troutbitten | Posted -- Club Fish -- 2065 READ: Troutbitten | Why Wild Trout Matter READ: Troutbitten | What Happened to Laurel Run? The Story of a Stocked Trout Stream and a Fisherman READ: Troutbitten | Does a Stocked Trout Ever Become Wild? Visit: Troutbitten Website Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Oct 4, 2021

Night fishing is a mystery with no resolution. Every other aspect of fly fishing for trout has been written about, understood and expanded upon. Lifetimes of information are available at your fingertips — the lives of so many fishermen who’ve come before you. You can read the accounts of their discoveries, their failures, their new ideas and understandings. But the night fishing game? It’s like a bare cupboard. There are very, very few people who’ve spent much time on the water at night. And there are even fewer anglers who’ve written or shared good information about fishing for trout after dark. Because there are so few practitioners of the night game, so few anglers willing (and able) to put in the hours and search for those answers, we find the same beliefs repeated time after time. The same advice. The same wives tales rerun again and again, because they sound like they make sense. The truth is, night fishing is hard. Consistency is elusive — maybe it’s not even possible. But after years of experiencing that kind of failure, I found an answer. I discovered a fly and a handful of tactics that turned the hook-up ratio around. And I started landing far more trout by fishing what I’ve come to think of as a mouse emerger. In this podcast episode, my friends Josh and Trevor join me to discuss the mouse emerger concept. What is it? And why does a mouse emerger fool more trout than other approaches? Why do trout attack flies but refuse them so often at night? (Companion Troutbitten article for this podcast is found HERE) In this night fishing episode, we discuss the flies: — The Bad Mother — Lynch’s White Bellied Mouse — The Pendragon — The Black Rogue — The Gypsy Queen And we dig into the tactics for fishing a mouse emerger style: — Locations — Retrieves — Angles — Speed — And the deadly Slow Slide Since 2014, I’ve published over 700 articles on Troutbitten.com. These are fishing stories, tips, tactics and commentary. But it all started with a tale about night fishing that I titled, One of These Days. Since then, I’ve written a forty-part, ongoing series about Night Fishing for Trout, and there’s much more to be learned and discovered. Find those night fishing articles and so much more at Troutbitten.com. Resources READ: Troutbitten | Series | Night Fishing for Trout Presentations -- The Deadly Slow Slide Moonlight, Starlight and City Light Back In Black -- The Night Shift Headlamps, Flashlights and Glow in the Dark Stuff Upside Down and Backward Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Sep 27, 2021

Fish cold water, fight 'em fast, handle gently, release quickly. In this second edition of the Troutbitten podcast, my friends Bill, Austin, Trevor and Josh join me to discuss safe catch and release practices, from hooking a trout to letting it go. Because if the goal of catch and release is to put a trout back and catch it again, then we want to ensure that the health of the fish remains intact. Some of the catch and release best practices might seem like common sense. But the truth is, handling a trout without harming it isn’t necessarily intuitive. It takes some forethought and preparation. You need the right tools — the right skills. And it takes a good understanding of how trout are built — how they are a little more sensitive than other species. It helps to understand the trout and learn its habits, if you plan to release the fish without harming it. There’s a lot of nuance in topics like this. And we cover the details around these key principles: Fish cold water, fight 'em fast, handle gently, release quickly. At every level of experience, we’re always learning and trying to improve or share ideas about the fish we chase. The Troutbitten guys joining me are full of ideas, and they share some great thoughts about how to handle a trout. Lastly, we discuss how experience is the only teacher. We acknowledge that mistakes inevitably happen. We've all killed trout accidentally, and it's part of the learning process. But education is the best preparation for releasing a trout safely. And hopefully, it's podcasts and shared information, like this, that gives fly anglers the confidence to go fishing and enjoy their time on the water. Here are a few key supporting articles from Troutbitten: READ: Troutbitten | How to Hold a Trout READ: Troutbitten | Their Heart in Your Hands READ: Troutbitten | Are We Taking the Safety of Trout Too Far? READ: Troutbitten | If You Have to Revive a Trout, It's Probably Too Late READ: Troutbitten | Category | Fighting Fish Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook Thanks to TroutRoutes: Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership at https://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to Skwala Use the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order at https://skwalafishing.com/

Sep 15, 2021

In this inaugural Troutbitten podcast, my friends Bill, Austin, Trevor and Josh join me to discuss how fly fishing for wild trout creates a life on the water. We consider what it means to fish hard, how hope is the strongest trait of a successful angler, why everything works sometimes, and how fly fishers, all too often, are a little much. We also talk about the tenets of Troutbitten , or the shared interests and characteristics about fly fishing that bring us together and keep us excited about trout fishing for a lifetime. In 2014, Troutbitten.com started with fishing stories and tips. And from the beginning, the tactics articles have leaned toward the advanced angler without neglecting the beginner. Now over 700 articles deep, the Troutbitten website has become a huge resource for trout anglers on a fly rod. Dry flies, nymph fishing, streamer fishing and more, Troutbitten articles offer tactics, commentary and stories to educate and entertain. Visit: Troutbitten Website Troutbitten Instagram Troutbitten YouTube Troutbitten Facebook