Episodes

6d ago

There are a whole lot of reasons a fish won't eat your fly. Maybe you picked the wrong one, or you wore the wrong socks today. Or you forgot your semi-annual offering of used zebra midges for the river gods. In all seriousness, there's often a much simpler reason fish aren't eating your fly: you've spooked them. This week on Untangled, you'll learn about how you end up spooking fish, even if you don't mean to, and a few tips for avoiding that. You'll also learn about: How certain fly rods are designed for use in certain situations, and what you can expect when buying a 10' 4-weight to replace a 9' 5-weight How to tie flies that are more durable The pros and cons of using barbless hooks, and using them to make multi-fly rigs LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE EBOOK - How to Find Fish in Rivers - CHECK IT OUT

Dec 10

There's no NEED to stock your fly box full of hundreds of patterns, all in dozens of different sizes. Sometimes, though, a slightly different fly from what everyone else is using is just the trick to put more -- or larger -- fish in the net. This week on Untangled, you'll learn about 7 underrated fly patterns that we turn to when we need to change things up. You'll also learn about: How to handle long stretches of getting skunked continuously, and how to grow from that How to match a fly line to your fly rod, based on what type of fishing you're doing Whether you should still fish with flies that don't look "perfect" LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Winter Fly Fishing Master Class - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Fly 3-Packs - CHECK IT OUT

Dec 3

80% of a fish's diet is underwater, which means nymphing is a crazy effective way to put fish in the net. So, this week on Untangled, Spencer and Alex share everything they learned while filming their Nymphing Master Class. From insight on why fly pattern doesn't matter, to tips on picking the right strike indicator, you'll leave this episode ready to put all these tips into practice out on the water. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Nymphing Master Class - CHECK IT OUT

Nov 26

What gear do you ACTUALLY need for fly fishing? And what stuff is just a waste of money? Sure, that fancy reel looks nice, and you'd probably look just like Indiana Jones in that hat. But will that stuff help you put more fish in the net? Or will it just drain your wallet? This week on Untangled, you'll learn about the gear that Spencer thinks isn't worth the cash, AND you'll get a detailed list of the essential items for your time out on the water. You'll also learn about: Tips for pre-tying leader onto flies to make it easier to rig up on the water How to set up a dry-dropper rig so your flies don't have drag Advice on fishing with streamers both on the strip and under an indicator LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE The VFC Starter Packs - CHECK THEM OUT

Nov 19

Fish, especially trout, really don't care about your fly pattern. Alright, A FEW fish do. The pickiest ones, and every single trout in the Henry's Fork. But most fish care WAY more about how the fly is presented, than whether you picked the exact perfect fly. This week on Untangled, you'll learn why presentation matters FAR MORE than pattern, and a few tips for perfecting how the fish see your fly. You'll also learn about: How to react when fish start jumping out of the water on lakes, and the rigs for fishing to them How to get your flies deep in the water without split shot How to cast nymph rigs with split shot on them How to find the right depth for nymphing, no matter what river you're fishing LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How to Cast Indicators, Split Shot, and Double Nymph Rigs - CHECK IT OUT

Nov 12

The world of fly fishing with streamers is full of weird terminology, interesting tactics, and new techniques. That makes picking it up, especially as a beginner fly angler, a bit challenging. Here's the truth, though -- streamer fishing is A LOT simpler than it appears. If you can catch fish on dry flies and nymphs, you've already got most of the skills you need! This week on Untangled, you'll get a crash course in fly fishing with streamers. From casting to setting the hook, you'll end the show ready to hit the water with confidence! You'll also learn about: Why you should upgrade your fly rod as quickly as you can afford to Why your flies suddenly stop catching fish on certain pieces of water Tips for successfully fighting larger fish in rivers LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Nov 5

You've picked a great fly, found some wonderful water, and made tons of good drifts through fishy-looking water. Everything is coming together -- except for the whole catching fish thing. So, what do you do on days like this, when NOTHING you do makes the fish notice your flies? When the fishing sucks, what's the play? Well, this week on Untangled, you'll learn how Spencer and Alex approach these tough days, and tips you can use the next time the river throws you a curveball. You'll also learn about: VFC's new 6-weight fly rod release, and other products in the pipeline Why we have so many different imitations of the same bug, and the value of using different flies How to decide which fishing technique (dries, streamers, nymphs) to use on any given day Tips for cold-weather fishing Tying your own leaders A few tips for fishing streamers in late fall and early winter LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Join the Fly Tying Mega-Kit Waitlist - JOIN NOW

Oct 29

Dropping the money on a guided fly fishing trip is a serious commitment - but with the right planning, you can get the most out of your time (and money) spent on the water! Getting the msot out of a guided fishing trip really comes down to communication -- both with the guide, and yourself. This week on Untangled, Spencer (a former guide and outfitter) walks you through how to have an incredible experience with your guides! You'll also learn about: How to effectively set up and fish a double-dry fly rig What to do when your dropper nymph is pulling your dry fly underwater, but you want a small dry fly up top in your dry-dropper rig Why you need wading boots, and what features to look for when buying them The situations when you need to keep fly line off the water completely How and when to use strike indicators LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - C HECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Oct 22

If you've spent most of your time fishing on small streams, making the jump to fishing bigger rivers can be intimidating. Where do you cast? Where are the fish holding? And do they still eat the same flies they do in small streams? This week on Untangled, we'll answer all those questions, and more, as you learn the 5 key tips for fishing big rivers. You'll also learn about: Why you can't use a 7 or 8-weight rod for small stream fishing with dry flies How to keep fish from getting off when you're using barbless hooks How to use woolly buggers underneath indicators to mimic crawdads, leeches, and other common fish food LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Oct 15

After a long day of fishing, when the trout refused EVERY fly you threw at them, how often have you gone home and looked up some information about the best flies to use during a certain time of year? And when you've done that, have you ever thought, "Well, this is all interesting, but how much does it apply to MY local river?" Well, the short answer is, probably a lot. The longer answer is that as you learn to identify bug trends and aquatic insects, you'll dramatically level up your fly fishing skills. So, this week on Untangled, we're breaking down fly selection into its basic parts, so you can learn how to pick the right fly the next time you're on the water. You'll also learn about: Why tapered leaders are the ideal choice for nymphing Why you might start out a day catching fish, only to quickly stop catching them for the rest of your time on the water The impact that cloud cover has on fly selection and fly color choices LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT

Oct 8

How do you become a "great" fly angler? And what makes an angler "great" anyways? In this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer and Alex chat about the one trait all the best anglers they know have in common, and how you can set realistic goals to help you achieve your own level of greatness in fly fishing. You'll also learn about: How to cast flies in the wind Whether the color of clothes you wear on the water impacts how many fish you catch How to plan fishing trips to places you've never been, and when you have a limited time to go fishing LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Find New Places to Fly Fish - WATCH IT NOW

Oct 1

Us fly anglers share A TON of things: new fly patterns, casting techniques, wing sauce recipes. But we're pretty guarded when it comes to our favorite fishing holes. And why is that? Why is there so much secrecy around where we go fishing? Well, it's not just because we're keeping all the fish for ourselves. There's actually quite a few good reasons to keep fishing spots a secret, the most important of which might just be the adventures you can have while discovering new water on your own. This week on Untangled, you'll learn how keeping fishing secrets can benefit both anglers AND fish. You'll also learn about: Pre-tying rigs before getting to the river, to cut down on rigging time Why you go from consistently catching fish in one spot, to catching no fish, even if you're using the same flies How to teach your spouse/significant other to fly fish LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Find New Places to Fly Fish - WATCH IT NOW

Sep 24

You don't need to overhaul your fly box for fall fishing. Some of the patterns you used all summer won't work anymore (hoppers and stoneflies fall off the menu during fall) but you likely have everything you need right in your box. Just a few bugs are on the menu during fall, which makes matching the hatch a breeze! This week on Untangled, I'll share the 10 patterns I never leave the house without when I'm fishing in the fall. You'll also learn about: My personal expecatations for a day on the river How to cast your fly rod when using a strike indicator What kind of fish can you catch on a 5-weight rod? Is it enough for use in big rivers, chasing bigger fish? LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VFC Fly 3-Packs - CHECK THEM OUT

Sep 17

If you're consistently struggling to catch fish, you're probably trying to figure out why. Are your casts bad? Poor fly selection? Are the planets just aligned against you? While all that CAN have an impact, you're often struggling to put fish in the net because of one problem: you're not focusing on the fundamentals. In this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through the three basics of fly fishing -- casting, fly selection, and presentation -- and why you need to focus on those when nothing else seems to be working. You'll also learn about: Casting single dry flies, and setting up rigs for single dry fly fishing How much tippet to use when setting up multi-fly rigs What to do when you don't catch fish from water that looks PERFECT LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Sep 10

While everyone else is obsessing over pumpkin spice and college football, YOU'RE out on the water, because you know fall is one of the best times of the year for fly fishing! And if you didn't know that? Well, this week's episode of Untangled has you covered. Fall is one of the best times to bust out the dry fly rods, target big fish on small bugs, and hunt for that new personal best. You just need to know how to overcome some of the hurdles that this season will throw at you. Today's episode walks you through 4 tips for successful fall fly fishing. You'll also learn about: Tips for seeing small dry flies in low-light conditions Why some fish seem to eat any dry fly, no matter what's actually hatching How to ensure your fly cast has the proper timing to create tight, accurate loops LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Sep 3

So, you've picked out a fly, made a cast, and hooked a fish -- now what? Is there a mantra you can chant to help you land the trout? Some spell to calm your nerves? It's honestly not that complicated. Fighting and landing fish on a fly rod requires some understanding of how to use your rod and reel to their full extent. Once you figure that out, you'll have A LOT fewer stories about the big one that got away! This week on Untangled, you'll learn all you need to know about fighting and landing fish on a fly rod. You'll also learn about: How to deal with drag on your dry-dropper rigs, and how to improve your presentation with them How to rig up your nymphs in a double-nymph or dry-dropper-dropper rig What to look for in a guided fly fishing trip when you're a beginner angler LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Aug 27

Do you need a million flies in every fly box? What about a $1,000 fly rod, or those bougie waders you keep seeing ads for? Will any of this actually HELP you catch more fish? The short answer is no. Fly fishing is A LOT simpler than it often appears, and you DON'T need a pile of the latest and greatest gear to catch more fish. This week on Untangled, we're busting 5 of the most popular gear myths, so you can focus on what really matters: putting flies in front of fish, and making them look real. You'll also learn about: How the diet of big and small fish is different How to cast multi-fly rigs Some tips for fighting and landing big trout in rivers LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Gear Checklist - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT

Aug 20

The elk hair caddis is one of the world's most famous dry flies. It floats high, it's easy to see, and trout all across the globe LOVE this pattern. But did you know there's more to it than just dead-drifting it through likely-looking water? The elk hair caddis one of the most versatile flies in the sport, but it doesn't get used that way. This week on Untangled, you'll learn how to use the elk hair caddis to catch more fish, along with the history behind how, when, and why this fly was developed. You'll also learn about: Where trout move to when water warms up during the summer How to decide what flies should be in your day-trip boxes, and to downsize your fly collection to only what you need How to detect the subtle bites from wary trout LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Best Trout Flies - CHECK IT OUT

Aug 13

Every angler I've ever met has questions about fly fishing. Whether they're a seasoned vet, or a brand-new beginner, we all want to learn and grow in this sport. And the best part about having these questions is that you never know when you'll learn something -- some nugget of wisdom -- that'll completely change how you approach fly fishing. This week's episode of Untangled might just be that moment for you. This show is ALL Q&A, with a bunch of questions from anglers all over the country. From barbless hooks, fixing broken fly rods, and fighting fish, to dealing with crowded rivers, I bet you're about to learn something that'll make a difference on the water. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fighting and Landing Fish - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Fly Fish Pocket Water - CHECK IT OUT

Aug 6

THIS is the moment you've been waiting for all year long! Fish are about to start BLOWING UP dry flies, like those flies just asked their sister to the prom! It's terrestrial season, when bugs like grasshoppers, ants, and cicadas are available to the fish. And if you play your cards right, you have a great chance of catching a HUGE fish on a dry fly. This week on Untangled, you'll learn all about terrestrials. From tips to fishing them, to our favorite patterns, you'll end the show ready to put your new personal best in the net! You'll also learn about: Troubleshooting your way through fish refusing your dry flies, even when you're using an exact match for bugs you see on the water Why the in-line tandem rig is the best way to set up your dry-droppers Whether the direction of your hook set matters when fishing for trout LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE GEAR - 3 Packs of VFC Flies - CHECK THEM OUT

Jul 30

How do you know what fly to use, and when to use it? Well, a lot of that knowledge comes from time on the water, and it depends on when and where you're fishing, since a lot of insects are only active at certain times of the year. But there is one fly that'll catch fish year-round, from the dead of winter, to the height of summer: the midge! Midges are one of the main groups of aquatic insects that form the majority of a fish's diet. This week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through everything you need to know about these bugs. From their appearance, to their lifecycle, and how to fish them, you'll end this show ready to take advantage of midges. You'll also learn about: How to time it so that you're on the water for an epic, unforgettable hatch Tips for fishing small, brushy streams with a lot of depth changes How to gain confidence in your wading skills LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE GEAR - 3 Packs of VFC Flies - CHECK THEM OUT VIDEO - Beginner's First Time Fly Fishing - CHECK IT OUT

Jul 23

If your favorite river is crowded with a million anglers, or the creek is blown out from runoff, what are you supposed to do? Call it a day, go home, and watch YouTube videos of other people fly fishing? Of course not! Instead, you can head to the nearest lake or pond, and get into tons of fish. Plus, you can do it all with the same rod and reel you use for fishing in rivers. This week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through a beginner's guide to tackling lakes. From identifying where to cast, learning to locate spots fish are hiding, picking flies, and all the gear you need, you'll end this episode with plenty of confidence to go spend time on stillwater. You'll also learn about: How to catch trout that are feeding on dry flies in a nice, consistent rhythm How much does a fly rod matter, and when to potentially upgrade yours Some tips about how to grip your fly rod for improved accuracy with dry flies LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Gear - The VFC Fly Flinger 9' 5-weight - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How We Fly Fish on Lakes - CHECK IT OUT

Jul 16

What do you do when you're out on the water, and you run into a fish you don't want to forget? Whether it's a HUGE trout, or just a giant for that stream, or maybe the prettiest brookie you've ever caught, is there any decent way to get good pictures of it when you're all alone? This week on Untangled, Spencer walks you through the 4 steps he takes to get great fish pics, so you can keep the memories alive -- and show off a bit to your friends and family. You'll also learn about: Proper fish handling techniques for catch and release fishing How to take the jump from beginner to intermediate angler Why the first few feet of your fly line might quit floating The pros/cons of expensive waders The pros/cons of felt vs rubber wading boots LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE RESOURCE - How to Handle Fish for Catch-And-Release - CHECK IT OUT RESOURCE - Keep Fish Wet - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Beginner's First Time Fly Fishing Crash Course - WATCH NOW

Jul 9

It's the middle of summer, and you've finally finished up enough work or chores that you can run off to the river for a bit, and do some fishing. But when you pull up, you realize you haven't fished since before spring runoff, and your fly boxes are full of tiny little dry flies and nymphs. That doesn't seem like a problem — but it is! The bugs hatching during summer are different from what was coming off in spring, and these summer fish will be keyed in on big insects that look like they belong in Jurassic Park. Your great day of summer fishing starts to look a bit dim. This week on Untangled, we'll brighten that picture up by sharing a list of must-have summer fly patterns. These flies will help you put fish in the net all summer long. You'll also learn about: How to effectively fish rivers as they change year-round (going from high with spring runoff, to the low flows of late fall) Fishing with nymphs and streamers from a raft or drift boat The best way to keep your dry flies floating Sharpening fly hooks, and whether this is a tactic that'll make a difference for you LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT

Jul 2

Do you often find yourself stuck deciding between throwing dry flies, or tossing nymphs? Well, you don't have to be! The dry-dropper rig lets you fish BOTH at once, allowing you to cover two parts of the water column in a single cast. A dry-dropper is one of the most effective ways to catch trout and bass in rivers and lakes, and it's what most of us here at Team VFC use, too. This week on Untangled, Spencer will take you through how to set up this rig, some of its pros and cons, and the flies he likes to use for it. You'll also learn about: How long to spend at a hole before moving on and fishing new water Tips for casting streamers and getting distance with those larger, heavier flies Some thoughts on setting up nymph rigs LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Rigs & Knots Pocekt Guide for FREE - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Dry-Dropper Setup - WATCH HERE VIDEO - Nymph Rig Setup - WATCH HERE

Jun 25

How often do you walk by water that you think is too fast to hold fish? Would you be surprised if I told you that the water you THINK isn't all that great, is some of the best water on the entire river? In this week's episode of Untangled, you'll learn all about how to fish the pockets within that faster water. From identifying pocket water, to understanding why fish hold there, to a few tips for effectively catching fish from it, you'll end this show ready to tackle even more of your favorite rivers! You'll also learn about: Techniques for adding distance to your cast Whether your leader length matters on small, brush-choked streams Whether fish eat mosquitoes, and if so, how to handle that situation LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook for FREE - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the VFC Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Cast a Fly Rod - WATCH NOW VIDEO - How We Fish: Spring Fly Fishing - WATCH NOW

Jun 18

What do you do when you run into a fish that just refuses EVERYTHING you throw at it? You get a bunch of good drifts, you assume you're using the right fly, but the fish just ignores your bugs, and acts like you're not even there. What's the next step in a situation like that? Well, this week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through the steps he uses to troubleshoot those days on the water that go beyond getting skunked. They feel like the fish took your dignity! And if you want to avoid that, you'll need to hear the three steps he shares in today's show. In the show's Q&A section, you'll also learn about: How to pick the right fly rod for carp and pike fishing How to pick the right fly rod for fishing on small streams Why the 9' 5-weight is such a versatile fly rod How to tell emergers, cripples, and "regular" dry flies apart without memorizing the names of patterns LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - The Right Fly Formula - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Shop the Fly Flinger - CHECK IT OUT

Jun 11

There's no such thing as a "magic fly" that works 100% of the time. BUT - the Adams dry fly might be the closest we'll ever get to that kind of silver bullet. So, what is it about the Adams that makes this fly so effective? It's been around for over 100 yeaers, and anglers today love it as much as they did back in 1922. This week on Untangled, you'll learn all about how the Adams was developed, how it's changed over the years, and why it's still such an effective fly. You'll also learn about: What makes a fly rod good for throwing dry flies How to tie flies so that your materials stay on the top of the hook Whether your flies need to be "Instagram-perfect" in order for fish to eat them LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE STORY - History of the Adams - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - The VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT VIDEO - Right Fly Formula - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Fly Rod Action Explained - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Use the Pinch Wrap - CHECK IT OUT

Jun 4

There's one bug that fish will eat that completely changes how you approach and fish a river. Stoneflies -- one of the major aquatic insect species alongside caddis, mayflies, and midges -- are an integral part of a fish's diet, but they're hugely important from around June through August. This week on Untangled, you'll learn everything you need to know about stoneflies: where and when they hatch, how to fish 'em, and our favorite patterns here at VFC. You'll be ready to make the most of this incredible hatch! You'll also learn about: How to prepare for traveling to fish places you've never been to before Why VFC exists and our goals at this company How to pick the right guide for whatever trip you want to take Tips for tying your own dry fly leaders The differences between jigged and regular nymphs LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Stoneflies 101 Fly Selection Masterclass - WATCH NOW

May 28

Cutthroat trout are the meanest, nastiest, gnarliest trout that ever roamed planet earth! Okay, they're not. In fact, they've got a reputation for being kinda easy to catch. But cutthroat are so much more than just eager dry fly eaters. They're one of the West's native trout, they're hugely important to some of the most unique ecosystems on earth, and catching them in the high country is one of the sport's greatest experiences. This week on Untangled, you'll learn why so many anglers hold the cutthroat in such high regard. From learning all about their life history and exploring their native range, to tips on how to catch them today, you'll end this episode ready to become part of the cutthroat's epic story. You'll also learn about: Tips for picking the right rod to use when teaching little kids how to fly fish Why are there so many dry flies for sale when most of a fish's diet is subsurface? Tips for achieving the perfect mend LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How to Mend Fly Line - CHECK IT OUT

May 21

One of the toughest decisions you've gotta make is what fly to tie on, and sometimes, that task feels IMPOSSIBLE! One of the best ways to feel confident about picking flies is to learn as much as you can about the food that fish eat. Aquatic insects are a HUGE part of a fish's diet, and caddisflies are a bug that's almost always on the menu. But we don't give caddis the attention they deserve. In fact, most anglers don't know just how important caddis are, or how much they actually matter to trout. This week on Untangled, you'll learn all about caddisflies -- what they look like, why fish love 'em so much, and a few of our favorite patterns. This gives you the information you need to go out and give the fish EXACTLY what they wanna eat. You'll also learn about: How to tie your dry-dropper rigs so the dropper doesn't slide off your top fly Some tips for fishing during spring runoff When and how you should use weightless nymphs (nymphs tied without beads) LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How We Fish: Spring Fly Fishing - CHECK IT OUT

May 14

Pools - the slow, deep sections in a river - always look so inviting! They're so deep and mysterious, they've just GOTTA hold tons of fish, right? Well, they do - but catching fish from these pools ain't always easy. If you're anything like me, you've probably left pools feeling like you could've done better, even if you put a few in the net. This week on Untangled, you'll learn how to fish pools. The tips and tactics I'm teaching are the same ones I used when guiding, and that we've taught to thousands of anglers here at VFC. I know they're gonna work for you! You'll also learn about: How long to rest fish before casting to them again, if you've fished or waded through the hole before Using fast clips (or snap swivels) with flies How to tell what weight your fly line is The type of wading boots you need for slippery, tough wading conditions LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT RESOURCE - AFFTA Fly Line Weight Chart - CHECK IT OUT

May 7

Do you need to use different tactics, flies, and strategies when you're fishing for stocked trout versus wild ones? We hear a version of that question ALL THE TIME here at VFC, and it makes sense. For a lot of people, the most consistent trout fishing they have easy access to are stocked fish. So, we're taking a deep-dive into the world of stocked and wild fish. We'll look at all the differences between the two -- their appearance, behavior, and the flies and strategies we recommend for them. You'll also learn about: How steep the learning curve is in fly fishing, and the two things you should focus on to lessen it Why fish sometimes don't eat caddis dry flies, even if the caddis are swarming in the air above the river How many flies you should carry with you for a day of fishing What counts as a "caught" fish LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE RESOURCE - Paper about stocking trout - CHECK IT OUT EBOOK - How to Read Rivers and Find Fish - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Game-changing Presentation Strategies - WATCH IT NOW VIDEO - Match the Hatch with Caddis Flies - WATCH IT NOW

Apr 30

Catching fish on a dry fly is like MAGIC -- when it actually happens. As much fun as dry fly fishing can be, it also presents some unique challenges you have to overcome. You need to find your fly after you cast it, you need to make an accurate cast, and none of that matters if you don't have the right fly in the first place. This week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant covers ten of the most important (and frequently asked) dry fly questions we get here at VFC. You'll learn about everything from improving your drift and presentation, to tricks for setting the hook on small flies. You'll also learn about: The importance of tapered leaders, and why you NEED these The leader setup Spencer recommends for streamer fishing Tips for improving the rigging up process so you can spend more time fishing LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Fly Fish with Terrestrials - CHECK IT OUT

Apr 23

Have you ever been casting to a trout that's acting as cantankerous as a toddler who missed his nap? You've tried EVERYTHING, but nothing will get the fish to calm down, eat your fly, and spend a few minutes in your net. What do you do in that situation? Pack up and go home? Admit defeat - yet again - to an animal with the brain the size of a strawberry? Well, after this week's episode of Untangled, you'll have another trick to try. This episode shares ten fly patterns that most anglers overlook. When the chips are down and the fish refuse to cooperate, these are the flies you can turn to. You'll also learn about: Sink-tip fly lines, and the best lines to use when fishing streamers in a river What to do when you're fishing a dry-dropper rig, but the fish aren't rising very much What flies are categorized as mayflies Some tips for fishing a dry-dropper rig effectively The differences between stocked and wild trout LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How We Fly Fish with Nymphs - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Fly Selection Master Class: Mayflies 101 - CHECK IT OUT PODCAST - Fly Fishing's Most Important Fly - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Fly Selection Master Class - CHECK IT OUT

Apr 16

Brook trout might be the most gorgeous fish on the planet. Sure, they're usually small, and where you find one, you'll often find 300 more -- but they're pretty, and they'll almost always eat a fly. But did you know brook trout AREN'T actually a trout? And that in some places in the world, they can grow to well over 10 pounds? This week on Untangled, you'll learn all about brook trout. From their life history to a few tricks on finding your own trophy brookie - and some killer fly patterns - this is an episode you don't want to miss! You'll also learn: Why you should (or shouldn't) use a strike indicator when fishing with dry flies How to approach a run you've already fished, after changing your rig Why Spencer never mentions the Royal Coachman or Humpy flies The three different types of flies that exist LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - VFC Fly Selection Master Class - WATCH NOW PODCAST - How to Fly Fish on Lakes - CHECK IT OUT

Apr 9

The more you know about aquatic insects, the more fish you'll catch. Aquatic insects are the backbone of a fish's diet, so if you know how their prey acts and behaves, you'll be able to make your fake flies look even more convincing! Mayflies are one of the most abundant aquatic insects on the planet, and they're a HUGE part of a trout's diet. This week on Untangled, you'll learn all about what mayflies are, where they hatch, what they look like, what flies to use to imitate them, and how to be successful during a mayfly hatch. You'll also learn about: How to dial in the depth of your nymph rig EVERY time What tenkara is and the pros and cons of this style of fishing How much the information we talk about on Untangled translates to trout streams across the country LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Set Your Strike Indicator Perfectly - CHECK IT OUT

Apr 2

Riffles are the buffet line of the river. They're jam-packed with both food AND hungry fish, but a TON of anglers just skip this type of water. They think riffles are too shallow to hold fish. This week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through everything you need to know about riffles. You'll learn how to identify one, WHY fish and bugs hang out in them so much, and how to present your flies in a riffle. You'll also learn about: Proper etiquette for fishing on different rivers How to put together an effective double-nymph rig The differences between stocked and wild trout LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Finding Fish in Riffles - WATCH HERE eBOOK - Finding Fish in Rivers - CHECK IT OUT PODCAST - Complete Guide to Wet Flies - CHECK IT OUT

Mar 26

Rainbow trout are known for their acrobatics, and for growing so big they look like more like a football than a fish. You can also catch rainbows in LITERALLY every state in America. But how often do you treat rainbows as just an afterthought? We're busy chasing browns, or cutthroat, or brookies, but rainbows don't always get the love they should. And that's a shame, since some of the BEST fish I've ever caught on a fly rod are rainbows! This week on Untangled, we're taking a deep dive into rainbow trout. You'll learn about their life cycle, their feeding habits, the flies they like - even the best places in a river to look for them! If you want to hook into a big ol' rainbow trout this year, you've gotta listen to this week's show! You'll also learn about: How to find new places to go fly fishing, even if you're traveling to somewhere you've never been before Some tips on finding new flies to tie, and materials to tie those flies with The value of looking for, and discovering, new places to fly fish, all on your own LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE PODCAST - The Ultimate Guide to Brown Trout - LISTEN HERE VIDEO - Find Your Own Fly Fishing Spot - CHECK IT OUT

Mar 19

You want to become a better angler. You'd like to catch more fish, definitely catch bigger fish, and feel confident in any river you find yourself fishing. So, what skills should you focus on if you want to make that leap? Well, as I looked back on my own experiences, I found 7 skills that helped me quit feeling overwhelmed and outgunned. If you focus on these 7 skills, you'll avoid A LOT of the mistakes I made, and you'll be able to fish with confidence no matter where you are. You'll also learn about: The differences between powder and gel floatant for dry fly fishing How to properly mend your fly line when fishing a dry-dropper rig When to untangle your line, or cut and re-tire your entire rig LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook for FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Get the Finding Fish eBook for FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Get the Year-Round Hatch Chart for FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Performing the Reach Cast - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Mend Fly Line - CHECK IT OUT

Mar 12

The early-season hatches you find during spring are some of the BIGGEST challenges you'll face in fly fishing. And after a winter where you've been cooped up and dreaming of fishing, the last thing you want is to get frustrated because these hatches are SO TOUGH to fish. This spring, you won't be the angler who can't figure out the fish. This week's episode of Untangled takes a deep dive into 8 of the essentially fly fishing skills that will COMPLETELY change how successful you are this spring. These skills are GAME-CHANGERS that will help you read the water better, make smarter fly choices, and present your flies more naturally. In this episode, you'll also learn about: The importance of backing on a fly reel, and why every fly reel needs it How to keep your nymphs from constantly snagging the bottom of the river How to set the hook on dry flies LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Year-Round Hatch Chart for FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Get the Right Fly eBook for FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Mar 5

Spring fly fishing is here! But how confident are you that you have the right flies for the job? If you don't have the right flies, you could be missing out on what I think is the BEST fly fishing you'll have all year. In this episode of Untangled, I'll walk you through the 14 must-have fly patterns I use every spring. You'll learn their names, the sizes and colors I recommend, and the real-life bugs these flies imitate. You'll also learn about: The major differences between cheap and expensive reels, and why your best bet is a middle-of-the-road option When and if you should use flies that are larger than the naturals you see on the water Spencer's top three dream fly fishing trips LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook for FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Feb 26

Brown trout have a reputation for being the smartest - and PICKIEST - fish in the river. If you've ever had one reject your fly, you know it feels like a personal rejection! But here's the good news: once you understand brown trout behavior, their favorite foods, and where they live, catching them is MUCH easier! In this episode of Untangled, we'll break down everything you need to know about brown trout. You'll leave with the tactics you need to know to catch a trophy! You'll also learn about: How and why the same flies work in so many different rivers in America A leader setup for dry-dropper rigs Tips for catching and cooking trout Where the fish in small creeks spend their winter LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE eBook - Find Fish ANYWHERE - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Fly Selection Master Class - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT

Feb 19

Have you ever heard of "trash" or "junk" flies, and wondered what the heck they are? If a fly is considered "trash," should you even be using it? Well, here's the thing: these so-called trash flies FLAT-OUT CATCH FISH! Seriously, these trash flies are some of the most effective patterns out there! And in this episode of Untangled, Spencer walks you through what trash flies imitation, why they're controversial, how to fish them, and why they deserve a spot in your fly box. You'll also learn about: Tippet rings (FINALLY!) The importance of fishing multiple types of water to improve your skills Spencer's process of selecting flies for a dry-dropper rig The reason we add tippet to leaders Suggestions for a guide looking to outfit his boat for his first guide season LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Feb 12

Catching trout is often the focus of most fly fishing media. But not all of us live near great trout fishing! You might live next to a farm pond full of panfish, or on the coast near striped bass. So, all the trout-centric fly fishing content can get kinda old. Here's what most folks don't immediately understand, though -- the skills you need for trout fishing overlap with the skills you need for almost every other fish! Bonefish, bass, tarpon, roosterfish, taimen, musky, pike -- these are all vastly different from trout, but they still require a good knowledge of fly presentation, fly selection, casting, and reading water. Those are foundational skills you need no matter what you're fishing for! On this episode of Untangled, Spencer walks you through how trout fishing can overlap with all sorts of other species, and gives you concrete examples of what that looks like. You'll also learn about: Building your own leaders The most versatile fly rod OTHER than a 9' 5-weight How to cast after making a LONG drift through a good run LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Fishing Knots - WATCH HERE VIDEO - Wildfly Smallmouth Film - WATCH HERE

Feb 5

Have you ever wanted to go fly fishing in some incredible place, but you're unsure if you'll ever be able to afford it? I mean, with how expensive eggs are, traveling to fish is just out of the question - right? Not necessarily. If you're willing to make a few compromises, you can have an AMAZING fly fishing trip for relatively cheap. In this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through the process he uses to plan fishing trips, including a half-dozen trips to Alaska while he was still either in college, or teaching high schoolo English. You'll also learn about: Tying on a dry fly to act as an "indicator" in a two-dry rig Some tips for mending more effectively Spencer's process for applying floatant to dry flies Whether your dry-dropper rig needs to be two flies of the same species (a caddis dry and nymph, for example) How to match your leader/tippet size to your flies LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Fishing in Alaska! - WATCH HERE GEAR - VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT VIDEO - How to Mend Fly Line - WATCH HERE

Jan 29

We all dream of catching a fish that we'll never forget. You know the kind - a big one, or one that required a crazy cast, or maybe just one that surprised you. Often, these unforgettable fish are what keep us coming back to the river. But what exactly makes some fish stand out more than others? In this episode of Untangled, you'll hear five stories about fish that Spencer hasn't forgotten. From those five fish, Spencer put together a step-by-step guide to help you make your own unforgettable fishing memories. You'll also learn about: Wader and boot recommendations How often you should change your flies The differences between 5 and 6wt rods LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook For FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Jan 22

Have you ever wondered WHY a fish rejects your fly? Well, we know that presentation matters, but is there something about the fly itself that makes a trout decide to eat - or reject it entirely? Well, you can find some answers to those questions when you look at exactly how trout see your flies. Their vision is great, but not without its faults. Understanding how trout view the world will give you more tools with which you can better fool fish. In this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through the science behind how fish see your flies, what actually triggers them to eat, AND how this information can directly put more fish in your net. You'll also learn about: How cold is too cold for fly fishing Do trout flies work everywhere, or are some patterns specific to certain regions? What a nymph is, and what it imitates LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE GEAR - VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT ARTICLE - How Trout See - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - How Trout See Pt. 2 - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - Does Fly Color Matter? - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - Unmatching the Hatch - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - About That Hook: What Do Trout See? - CHECK IT OUT

Jan 15

We spend A TON of time talking about dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. But there's another type of fly out there that doesn't get enough love. This fly is supposedly the easiest to use, AND it's the favorite of some of the world's best anglers. I'm talking about wet flies, or soft hackles (they're the same thing). In this episode of Untangled, you'll learn what soft hackles are, what they imitate, why you'd want use them, and how to fish them. This is another trick you can add to your skillset to help you put more fish in the net! You'll also learn about: How to get good drifts across large, deep pools with multiple currents The differences between a 9' 4-weight and 9' 5-weight How to cast strike indicators The best strike indicators for mountain streams LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How to Swing Wet Flies - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Soft Hackle Fly Fishing - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Make a Reach Cast - CHECK IT OUT PICTURE - Isaiah's Brown Trout - CHECK IT OUT

Jan 8

Have you ever been told that you HAVE to get a perfect, drag-free drift if you want to catch fish on dry flies? What about the need to keep your rod tip sky-high when you're fighting a fish? Or that you'll catch big fish if you're using big flies? These may sound like they're rules, but there are actually NO RULES in fly fishing. There are only guidelines, and just a few at that. On this episode of Untangled, you'll learn about some of the "rules" in fly fishing, and WHY and WHEN you should break them. You'll also learn about: Fishing for fish other than trout on a fly rod How sunscreen impacts trout, and what sunscreen you should use Some insight about spring creeks and freestone streams What to do when fish swallow your flies LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE RESOURCE - Scientific Paper about Sunscreen and Fish - CHECK IT OUT PICTURE - Brian's Creek - CHECK IT OUT

Jan 2

What fly fishing skills will ACTUALLY move the needle and make you a better angler? Well, if you asked 5 different anglers, you'd probably get 20 different answers! And trying to master 20 new skills in a single year sounds like too much for it to be of any use. On today's episode of Untangled, Spencer will share the 5 skills that have made the biggest difference in his own fishing. These are things he's still working on, and they're aspects of the sport that ALL of us can learn and improve on. You'll also learn about: How to interpret CFS data How much wind is too much for fly fishing, and what it feels like Setting your drag for different fish fighting situations How to properly position your strike indicator LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Pocket Rigs Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - WATCH HERE ARTICLE - A Gut Check on Accuracy - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Positioning Your Strike Indicator - WATCH HERE PICTURE - Jon's Apache Trout - CHECK IT OUT

Dec 26, 2024

What flies are go-to patterns for winter fly fishing? And how do you know which flies you should be fishing in winter, anyways? On today's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through which aquatic insects are most active in the winter, the flies we use to mimic them, and a few tips for how to fish them. This list of the 12 best winter fly fishing flies will have you set to start catching trout and bass! You'll also learn about: Why you need wading boots, and advice on buying them Why Crocs aren't ideal wading footwear How to size your strike indicator when fishing with nymphs Spencer's recommendation for pants to wear during winter fly fishing Why trout jump all the way out of the water to eat different bugs LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - CHECK IT OUT PICTURE - AJ's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT

Dec 18, 2024

When the fish are eating everything EXCEPT your fly, what do you do? How do you save yourself from getting skunked? Well, there's a simple process you can use to troubleshoot your way out of a bad day on the water. On today's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through the five steps that will almost always help you put a fish in the net. You'll also learn about: Tips for setting the hook when fishing with dry flies Why a dry-dropper rig is so versatile Your main goal as a fly angler How to find active bugs so you can pick the right fly LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How to Pick the Right Fly - WATCH HERE PICTURE - Nate's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT

Dec 10, 2024

Picking the right fly rod is like when your wife asks you if those pants make her look fat. How are you supposed to answer that question? Well, we can't help with that--but we CAN help with fly rods! There's a lot that goes into the world of fly rods, and understanding the language, terminology, and prices can be daunting. Spencer Durrant has reviewed fly rods for major fishing magazines for a decade, though, and he's dumping all his experience with rods into this episode of Untangled! You'll learn all about rod action, length, and weight, the differences between glass and graphite, why some rods are so expensive, and TONS more. This is a show you just can't afford to miss. You'll also learn about: Advice for fishing panfish and bass on the fly How to fish midges during the winter How to get someone interested in fly fishing LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - What is the Difference Between Leaders and Tippet? - CHECK IT OUT PICTURE - Samuel S. #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT

Dec 4, 2024

What is it about fly fishing that keeps us coming back? Why is this sport so addicting? Is it the simple pleasure of watching fish eat dry flies, or the rush of hooking and landing a trophy trout? Tons of folks have tried to answer this question, and in a slight departure from the norm on this show, Spencer Durrant will dive into why he thinks fly fishing is so addicting. You'll also learn about: Different options for attaching leader to your fly line Tips for fishing spring creeks in winter Tips on picking the right fly during winter How to properly fish nymphs in slow, deep water Some general advice on fishing with streamers LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Pick the Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE Ben's #LiveReelLife Moment - PICTURE

Nov 27, 2024

I know, winter is cold. You've gotta bundle up like the Stay Puft Marshmallow man, and on top of that, the fish aren't all that active, either! So, why do some people just LOVE winter fly fishing? Well, it has enough redeeming qualities to make it worth the effort. The solitude and peace are hard to beat, and you can get into some fantasitc fish, too. On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through everything you need to know about winter fly fishing: where the fish are, what flies to use, how to stay warm, how to deal with ice in your guides, and more! You'll also learn about: The characteristics of wet flies Recommended rods for beginners Some advice on picking flies for creek fishing How to tell where fish are holding in the water column LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Pick the Right Fly e-Book - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE Sean's #LiveReelLife Moment - PICTURE VIDEO - Proven Winter Fly Fishing Tactics - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Fly Flinger Rod - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Beginner Fly Rod Buying Guide - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - CHECK IT OUT

Nov 20, 2024

Is it enough to just know WHAT the best flies are? Or should you spend the time to understand WHY those flies are so effective? Well, if you want to become a great angler, then you need to understand WHY the best flies work so well. On today's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through what real-life insects the flies we use imitate, and a list of 15 flies you should never leave home without! You'll also learn about: Adjustable dry-dropper rigs The best fly boxes for dry flies How to get your flies to sink quicker How often to change your flies if the fish aren't biting LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - CHECK IT OUT EBOOK - How to Pick the Right Fly - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - VFC Waterproof Fly Box - CHECK IT OUT

Nov 13, 2024

Where a fish lives has a HUGE impact on how it behaves and what it eats. Now, this matters to anglers, because if you understand how fish behavior and bug activity changes from a freestone to a tailwater, you'll eliminate A TON of frustration that many beginners experience. On this episode, Spencer Durrant will walk you through the information you need to know about the three main types of rivers, and how this knowledge can directly lead to putting more fish in the net. You'll also learn about: Why to choose a parachute fly instead of a regular one How to sneak up on fish The 3 flies beginning fly tiers should start out with Tips for setting the hook on dry fly eats LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Sneak Up on Fish - WATCH HERE

Nov 6, 2024

You can learn a lot about fly fishing from reading books or watching videos, but they don't always tell the complete story. Often, the lessons that stick with us the most are the ones we learn when we have a tough day on the water, or when we finally figure out how to catch a certain fish that's been elusive all season. On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant and Alex Stulce talk about the fly fishing lessons they've learned that don't really show up in guidebooks, and how applying these lessons will turn you into a better angler. You'll also be treated to a Lighting Round Q&A session, with tons of questions submitted from folks in the VFC Skool Group! LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Free Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - WATCH HERE

Oct 30, 2024

Nymphing is by far the most effective way to catch fish on a fly rod. After all, 80% of a fish's diet is made up of nymphs! But how do you become FANTASTIC at nymphing? Once you have a good grasp of the bascis, what are the skills and techniques you should focus on to become confident with your nymphing? On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through four advanced nymphing strategies to help you go from lucking into fish every now and then, to consistently catching tons of fish on nymphs. You'll also learn about: The best fly rod for small stream fishing The colors trout see, and how they impact the flies those trout eat How to get started in fly fishing LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Free Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE PICTURE - Kent's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT PODCAST - Nymphing 101 (Episode 47) - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - VFC Fly Flinger Rod - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Beginner Fly Rod FAQs - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - How Trout See - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - VFC Starter Packs - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - CHECK IT OUT

Oct 23, 2024

Dry fly fishing is the toughest style of fly fishing to master. You need to get SO MUCH right if you want to catch the biggest, pickiest fish on dry flies. Your presentation has to be solid, your knowledge of hatches has to be great, and your casting needs to be on point. So, how do you get to that level? How do you avoid those extremely frustrating moments when you're fishing a hatch, only for the fish to ignore your flies, or quit rising altogether? Is it really as simple as practice makes perfect? On today's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will wak you through a roadmap to help you take your dry fly fishing skills to the next level. You'll also learn about: The simple knots you need for fly fishing Why so much of fly fishing media focuses on fishing for trout in rivers Tips for fighting fish LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ RIGHT FLY E-BOOK 🐟 Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE PICTURE - Jim's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Beginner Knots - CHECK IT OUT

Oct 16, 2024

If you want to progress from lucking into fish every now and then, to consistently catching fish, what are the most important things to focus on? What skills or techniques bring you the most bang for your buck? Well, if you're serious about unlocking your potential as an angler, then you'll pay attention to the three things Spencer Durrant discusses in this show. He'll give you an in-depth look at the skills that, if you work to master them now, will help you become a confident, self-sufficient angler. You'll also learn about: Dry-dropper rigs How to combat losing fish during the fight Book recommendations for those looking to learn more about fly fishing and trout The exact gear Spencer takes with him during a day on the water LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ YEAR-ROUND HATCH CHART 🐟 Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE PICTURE - Micah's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Reading Water 101 - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Pocket Water 101 - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Riffles 101 - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Pools 101 - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Runs 101 - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Pick the Right Fly - CHECK IT OUT

Oct 9, 2024

If you've ever walked into a fly shop to get outfitted for fly fishing, you've probably felt like you were floating in the Pacific Ocean with NO LAND in sight! The amount of things you CAN buy is overwhelming! So, what do you actually need to get started? On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through a list of all the gear beginners need, and he explains WHY this is the gear you should start with. You'll also learn about: When to use a dry dropper rig How to set the hook when fishing down stream When you should add movement to your flies Why you can't catch certain fish LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ RIGHT FLY E-BOOK 🐟 Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE PICTURE - Jarek's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT PODCAST - Best Fly Line - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - VFC Starter Packs - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Fly Flinger Rod - CHECK IT OUT RESOURCE - Gear Checklist - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - Good Hook Sets - CHECK IT OUT

Oct 2, 2024

If you're a beginner, you probably have TONS of questions about fly fishing! And while we try to answer a lot of those on Untangled, sometimes we miss a few. So on this show, Spencer Durrant and Alex Stulce sat down with two beginning fly anglers, to answer their questions and hopefully point them in the right direction. The beginners ask everything from how to adjust your reel to the best way to fish big rivers. If you're a beginner, one (and probably more) of your common questions will be answered in this episode. LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ RIGHT FLY E-BOOK 🐟 Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE

Sep 25, 2024

What flies do you ACTUALLY need in your box? And how do you know which ones to choose? Is there some sort of secret that we're just not telling the fly fishing masses? Not really. Knowing what flies to take with you to the water (so you don't end up hauling 1,000 flies every time) comes with experience. But on this episode of Untangled, we're going to short-circuit that experience and give you all the info you need RIGHT NOW to always pick the right fly. You'll also learn about: How to tell emergers apart from dry flies What to do when you get snagged How far up river you should cast when fly fishing Spencer's recommendations for fishing sunglasses Why your knots break LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ YEAR-ROUND HATCH CHART 🐟 Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE PICTURE - Spencer's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT

Sep 18, 2024

If you don't rig your flies correctly, you won't catch fish. Alright, that's a bit dramatic - but it's not far off from the truth! The way your flies are rigged impacts your ability to present them in as realistic a way as possible. And since our goal is to fool fish into thinking our fake fly is the real thing, you can see how important it is to correctly rig your flies. In this episode, Spencer Durrant walks you through how he rigs his dries, nymphs, and streamers, sharing the exact steps he uses after 20 years of fly fishing, a few years of guiding, and teaching thousands of new anglers here at VFC. You'll also learn about: How to correctly size tippet for multi-fly rigs The best flies to start with when you begin your day on the water Tips for casting in the wind How to tell what size and type certain flies are LINKS FROM THE SHOW DOWNLOAD - Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ RIGHT FLY E-BOOK 🐟 Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Right Fly Formula - CHECK IT OUT PODCAST - Fly Casting in the Wind - CHECK IT OUT PICTURE - Britton's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT

Sep 11, 2024

The single most important skill you can develop is to present your flies in as lifelike and natural a way as possible. You could have the PERFECT fly, but it won't matter if you can't put that fly in front of a fish in a way that mimics the real thing. In today's episode, Spencer Durrant walks you through six tips that will help you perfect your presentation and immediately start putting more fish in the net. You'll also learn about: Fly recommendations for bass and bluegill Loop-to-loop versus nail knot connections for fly line to leader How to meet new anglers to fish with How to work fish close to far LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ YEAR-ROUND HATCH CHART 🐟 Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Mending 101 - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Pick the Right Fly - CHECK IT OUT PICTURE - Chris's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT

Sep 4, 2024

Beginners don't always have a guide, or even an experienced fishing buddy, to help them overcome the mistakes they make on the water. There's A LOT of trial and error that goes into learning to fly fish, especially if you're doing it on your own. Today's show breaks down four of the most common beginner fly fishing mistakes, and how to fix them, so you can quickly improve your skills and have a better chance at putting more fish in the net. You'll also learn about: The best way to rig your nymphs to catch more fish How long your flies should drift in the river Catch-and-release tactics to take care of trout The basic fly fishing fundamental that will CHANGE your life LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ RIGHT FLY E-BOOK 🐟 Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Fishing Crash Course - CHECK IT OUT PICTURE - Micah's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT

Aug 28, 2024

Have you ever wanted to fly fish in Alaska? Okay, that's probably a dumb question. Alaska is an AMAZING place, and Spencer Durrant just got back from a week chasing salmon, trout, and grayling. He shares the story of that trip, along with some of the most important lessons he learned, that apply not just to fly fishing in Alaska, but chasing fish EVERYWHERE. This is an episode of Untangled you don't want to miss! 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ YEAR-ROUND HATCH CHART 🐟 Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE

Aug 21, 2024

When you fish somewhere you've never been before, do you get nervous about being skunked? Is that even normal? I mean, a river's a river, right? How different can they be? Well, rivers are different from each other, and it's totally normal to be nervous about not catching from a river you've never visited before. On today's show, Spencer Durrant will take you through the four tips he uses to tackle water he's never fished before, and if you remember these tips, you can replace all your nervousness with confidence. You'll also learn about: Tips for organizing your fly box Tips for fishing for grayling in Alaska Some advice on buying fly rods for fishing in Florida Some advice on what net you actually need for trout fishing LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ YEAR-ROUND HATCH CHART 🐟 Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE PICTURE - Rylee's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT

Aug 14, 2024

What the heck is a dry fly? And what are nymphs for? And what about streamers - those are party decorations, right? So, why would anyone fish with that? If you've found yourself asking these questions, you're not alone. The world of flies is confusing, especially for beginners. Luckily, you have a Diet Coke-swilling guide to help you understand all the different flies we use for fly fishing. On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through everything to know about the different types of flies, including the instances when you might want to use them. You'll also learn about: The best cities to live in if you want to be near great trout fishing How to safely wade a river Some tips on mending LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ RIGHT FLY E-BOOK 🐟 Join our Online Fly Fishing Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE PICTURE - Chris's Brook Trout #LiveReelLife - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - The ABCs of Fly Fishing Flies - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Pick the Right Fly - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Nymph Rig Setup - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Dry Fly Rig Setup - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Streamer Rig Setup - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How To Mend Fly Line - CHECK IT OUT

Aug 7, 2024

One of the biggest problems that holds beginner fly anglers back from really finding success is this: they overthink the sport. Fly fishing, at its essence, is a simple sport! And in this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through WHY it's so simple, and give you some tips to remind yourself of that when it feels like you don't know how to catch fish on a fly rod. In addition, you'll learn about: The difference between fly rod actions How to properly store your rod, reel, and fly line Tips for applying dubbing to your flies Whether expensive fly rods are "worth it" LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ YEAR-ROUND HATCH CHART QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE PICTURE - Jeff's Trout #LiveReelLife - CHECK IT OUT PODCAST - Ep 66 Nymphing Tactics - CHECK IT OUT PODCAST - Ep 70 Fly Rods Explained - CHECK IT OUT

Jul 31, 2024

Do you wanna catch big trout? Do we even need to ask that question? We all love big fish, but sometimes, it feels like catching them involves more luck than it does skill. However, with the right foundation of knowledge, you can put yourself in situations where you have the best chance possible to net a trophy trout. You'll also learn about: How long you can store fly line, leaders, and tippet before you should replace them How and why to choose the right nymphs for a nymph or dry-dropper rig Catching fish from water where you're getting skunked, but everyone else isn't We also have a WONDERFUL #LiveReelLife moment on the show today, so stay tuned to the end of the episode for that! LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ RIGHT FLY E-BOOK QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE PICTURE - Stephan's Trout #LiveReelLife - CHECK IT OUT PRODUCT - Tippet - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Water Types - CHECK IT OUT

Jul 24, 2024

What do you do when the bugs are hatching, but no fish are rising to eat them? Or, what if the fish are rising, but they're refusing your flies? And how do you handle it when literally EVERYONE on the river is catching fish, and you're only catching the skunk? Do you go home empty-handed, like the commies after WWII? Of course not! You listen to this episode of Untangled, where Spencer Durrant and Alex Stulce walk you through common situations you'll run into on tough rivers, and help you troubleshoot your way through them. You'll learn all about how to handle moments when: Bugs are hatching, but fish aren't rising Fish are rising, but ignoring your fly No bugs are hatching, and no fish are rising Fish are rising, but you don't know what they're eating Other anglers are catching fish and you're not. LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ YEAR-ROUND HATCH CHART QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE GRAPHIC - GENERAL BUG LIFECYCLE - CHECK IT OUT

Jul 17, 2024

Small stream fly fishing is one of the sport's greatest experience, but tons of anglers overlook these hidden gems. Tiny rivers can present some tough challenges for anglers, but that's where today's episode of Untangled comes in! Spencer Durrant will walk you through EVERYTHING you need to know about fly fishing small streams, including how to rig up your flies, what flies to use, how to approach the water, and how to get the best presentation possible, so you come home with tons of memories. You'll also learn about: The knots most guides use for fly fishing How to fish nymphs at different depths Some general tips on fishing with emergers Why fly anglers generally don't use lifelike flies LINKS FROM THE SHOW 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ RIGHT FLY E-BOOK QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE LIVE REEL LIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE GRAPHIC 1 - SMALL STREAM EAST - CHECK IT OUT GRAPHIC 2 - SMALL STREAM WEST - CHECK IT OUT GRAPHIC 3 - DRY DROPPER RIG - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - POCKET WATER & LOB CAST - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - TRILENE KNOT - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - ORVIS ASK EXPERTS - CHECK IT OUT

Jul 10, 2024

What are the best trout rivers in America? You know, the rivers that every angler should visit before passing on to that great river in the sky. And for that matter, why do we hold some rivers in such high regard? On this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through his own ranking of the country's best trout water. You'll also learn about: Dry-dropper rigs The science behind water temperature's impact on trout Why fly anglers don't use barrel swivels How to find fishing spots in brand-new areas 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our FREE ➡️ YEAR-ROUND HATCH CHART QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE LIVE REEL LIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE ARTICLE - KEEP FISH WET - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - FINDING PLACES TO FLY FISH - CHECK IT OUT

Jul 3, 2024

What's the hardest thing about learning to fly fish? Is it the casting, learning how to pick the fight fly, or reading water? Or is it...well, everything? On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant and Alex Stulce walk you through the major paint points you'll encounter when fly fishing, and they offer some great tips to help you navigate these. You'll come out of this podcast full of the confidence you need to absolutely crush it on the water! Links From The Show FREE EBOOK - Picking The Right Fly For Any Fishing Situation GEAR - VFC Starter Packs VIDEO - Finding Places to Fish VIDEO SERIES - Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass SUBMIT A QUESTION - Click Here

Jun 26, 2024

Do you like losing big fish? Of course not! No one does! On this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through a 5-step checklist he's developed over YEARS of losing big fish. If you follow these steps, you'll avoid learning the hard way like Spencer, and start putting more nice fish in the net in no time! You'll also learn about: How to assemble a dry-dropper rig with barbless hooks Why barbless hooks are the best option for every angler How to tell the difference between hooking into a fish and snagging bottom Some general tips on how to effectively fly fish lakes LINKS FROM THE SHOW SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR THE SHOW! VIDEO - How to Fight Fish VIDEO - Fly Fishing Rigs and Knots VIDEO - How to Fly Fish Lakes VIDEO - Why You Should Use Barbless Hooks

Jun 19, 2024

Have you ever run into an angler who seems to ALWAYS know the EXACT RIGHT FLY to tie on, no matter where or when they're fishing? That might seem like a superpower, but really, it's a skill that just takes a bit of time - and effort - to develop. On today's episode, Spencer Durrant walks you through the 4 concepts you need to learn if you want to always pick the right fly for any fly fishing situation. You'll also learn about: Tips for casting dry flies Does color actually matter when picking a fly pattern? When should you change flies? LINKS FROM THE SHOW Submit a question for the podcast here! HATCH CHART - Year-round Hatch Chart VIDEO - How to Pick The Right Fly PODCAST - How to Pick The Right Fly EBOOK - Picking the Right Fly for Any Fishing Situation

Jun 12, 2024

Euro nymphing supposedly catches more fish than ANY other fly fishing method. If that's true, then why isn't EVERYONE doing it? To understand the truth about Euro nymphing, you first have to understand what the technique actually is. On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant explains exactly what Euro nymphing is, he walks you through the pros and cons of Euro nymphing, compared to traditional indicator nymphing, and he shows you which method puts more fish in the net. By the end of this show, you'll have the information you need to decide if this technique is something you want to try. You'll also learn about: Why presenting your flies properly is SO important When to cut and re-tie your tippet and leader Spencer's preferred dry fly floatants, and how to use them How to find new places to go fly fishing Links From The Show SUBMIT A QUESTION HERE! LINK - Devin Olsen's article on Euro nymphing LINK - Joe Trotter's video on Euro nymphing

Jun 5, 2024

Is there such a thing as a "bad" fly? And if there is, what makes another fly "good?" On this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant is joined by Alex Stulce to talk all about the differences between good and bad flies. You'll learn about the concept of "magic" flies, and Spencer and Alex will share the 3 characteristics that all good flies need to have. Submit A Question For The Show! LINK - Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass LINK - Beginner Fly Tying Masterclass

May 29, 2024

To become a dry fly fishing ninja, you'll need to complete a pilgrimage to the River Test in England, fishing only downstream drifts, from the bank, while wearing tweed. OR - you could listen to this episode of Untangled and let Spencer Durrant teach you 5 lessons about dry fly fishing that he's learned from his years as an angler and guide. These tips will help you take your dry fly fishing skills from "okay" to "freakin' fantastic" faster than you can say Diet Coke. You'll also learn about: The difference between DT and WF lines, and what line is best for slow rods Why a short rod might be better than a long rod Whether trout can pick up a human scent on our flies How to get creative when tying your own flies The importance of using the correct weight fly line on your fly rod Submit A Question For The Show Here!

May 22, 2024

Do you get nervous at the sight of BIG water? You know, a river so big that it probably qualifies for fat guy seating on airplanes? That's completely normal! But part of your education and growth as an angler is learning how to fish these bigger rivers, and on today's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through 7 expert tips to do just that. You'll also learn about: Tips for hiking with waders and wading boots Fishing hatches on lakes Tips for adjusting the drag while you're fighting a big fish Links From The Show SUBMIT A PODCAST QUESTION HERE! VIDEO - How to Find Trout in a River

May 15, 2024

Are you dismayed by the sight of rivers that look like chocolate milk? Does high water strike sadness and fear into your heart? Well, after listening to this week's edition of Untangled, you'll have all the tools you need to fish during runoff! Spencer Durrant walks you through what he's learned about fishing high, muddy water, and how you can apply those lessons to your own fly fishing circumstances. You'll also learn about: How to see your small dry flies when fishing during a hatch Some tips for taking pictures of the trout you catch Some advice on teaching other people to fish, and getting them the correct gear Links From The Show SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR THE SHOW! VIDEO - Get A Fly Rod Un-Stuck

May 8, 2024

In this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant reveals a secret so incredible he had to smuggle it out of Area 52 (bet you didn't know THAT existed, did you?). Okay, it's not that secret -- it's a collection of the 12 flies that Spencer believes will catch 99% of all the trout you encounter. Make sure to listen and see if you agree with his list. You'll also learn about: Tips for fishing lakes Some recommendations for folks who have a hard time seeing their small tippets and flies The best sunglasses for all-around fishing applications How to fish deep pools Links From The Show SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR THE SHOW! VIDEO - Untangled Ep. 45: How to Fly Fish on Lakes VIDEO - Untangled Ep. 15: Why You NEED Sunglasses VIDEO - How to Fly Fish Pools

May 1, 2024

On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant introduces you to the softer, gentler side of trout - a side maybe you didn't even know existed. After this show, you won't just be catching trout from your local stream - you'll be shaking fins with your friends. You'll know the different personality quirks of each trout species, and how those quirks can help you put more of them in the net! You'll also learn about: Different types of indicators and why we use them Tips for storing your fly fishing gear A bunch of information about old bamboo fly rods and lines Links From The Show SUBMIT A QUESTION - Click Here! VIDEO - How to Find Fish RESOURCE - AFFTA Line Standards Chart

Apr 24, 2024

Imagine sitting down for a one-on-one chat with a fly fishing expert. How much would that improve your fly fishing abilities? Now, imagine if you had the opportunity to chat with over 600 experts! You'd be a fly fishing ninja! Well, Dave Stewart, of The Wet Fly Swing podcast, has conducted over 600 interviews with fly fishing experts on his show over the years. And on this week's episode of Untangled, he sits down with Spencer Durrant to talk about the five most important lessons he's learned from those hundreds of conversations. You can check out more from Dave Stewart here .

Apr 17, 2024

On this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through the intricacies and mysteries of one of fly fishing's most legendary hatches. You'll leave with all the wisdom and knowledge you need to catch boatloads of trout during this hatch, leaving your friends speechless at your mad skills, and your enemies absolutely gobsmacked that you've progressed so much in so short a time. As if that's not enough, you'll also learn about: Tips for setting the hook when fishing with different kinds of fly rods How to pick the right fly during stormy weather A few tips on using tippet rings and managing your leaders Impostor syndrome - what it is, and why you shouldn't let it be a bother Links From The Show Submit a question for the show here! VIDEO - How to Straighten Your Leader VIDEO - The Right Fly Formula

Apr 10, 2024

Have you ever wondered how fly rods are built? Do you want to know what "rod action" means, and whether it matters to your experience on the water? And how much stress can you put a fly rod under before it breaks? Hank Haen and Adam Hutchison, of the R.L Winston Rod Co., join Spencer Durrant on this episode of Untangled to answer all those questions - and more! Almost anything you could want to know about fly rods is answered in this podcast, including: Why 5-weight rods are the ideal choice for most beginners How to understand rod action, and what it will do for you on the water Why 9-foot rods are so popular VIDEO - Fly Line 101 - https://youtu.be/9rGguDXasew

Apr 3, 2024

Are you tired of being outsmarted by fish? Does the thought of coming home empty-handed from yet another fly fishing trip fill you with dread and angst? Well, you're in the right place, because this week's episode of Untangled will help you solve one of fishing's most confounding problems -- how to catch picky fish! Spencer Durrant has five tips that he'll walk you through to help you turn those days of frustration into epic tales of success. You'll also learn about: Tips for planning your own fishing trip How to control the drift of your nymph rig How to avoid spooking fish while wading The best way to attach your leader to your fly line Links From The Show VIDEO - Pick The Right Fly For EVERY Fishing Situation VIDEO - How To Have More Success With Dry Flies PODCAST - Expert Nymphing Tactics Made Easy ft. Troutbitten VIDEO - How to Fly Fish With Nymphs VIDEO - How to Mend Fly Line VIDEO - How to Spot And Stalk Trout

Mar 27, 2024

Have you ever struggled to explain to other people (friends, significant others, angry bosses) why you love fly fishing so much? Do you want to try and get a friend to fall in love with the sport, too? Well, you're in luck! This episode of Untangled features Spencer Durrant and Alex Stulce discussing why they love fly fishing, and why it's something everyone else should try. 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our beginner friendly e-Book all about ➡️ Pick the Right Fly e-Book CHECK IT OUT - All the gear you need to start fly fishing! ➡️ VFC Starter Packs

Mar 20, 2024

In this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant gives you all the information and tips you need in order to fly fish in the wind. Say goodbye to tangled lines and frustrated days on the water, and hello to success, even when the wind is blowing hard enough to send you to Kansas! (Unless, of course, you already live in Kansas, in which case, we send our condolences). On top of that, you'll also learn about: Tips for fishing dry flies Rigging up your nymphs A few tips on building leaders An outline for a fly fishing road trip Some advice on getting started working in fly fishing Links From The Show 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our beginner friendly e-Book all about ➡️ Picking the Right Fly VIDEO - Casting in The Wind VIDEO - How to Fish With Dry Flies

Mar 13, 2024

In this special episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant is joined by Domenick Swentosky to talk about essential nymphing tactics that beginning anglers just can't afford to miss. Dom is the man behind Troutbitten, one of the best learning resources available to fly anglers. Dom is also a dad, a guide, and one of fly fishing's most thoughtful writers. The conversation between Spencer and Dom features in-depth discussion on basic nymphing princples, as well as advice on how to take your nymphing to the next level. If you enjoyed Dom's advice, please take the time to check out Troubitten, which you can do here .

Mar 6, 2024

This episode of Untangled is one of the most important pieces of media ever produced for beginning fly anglers. It rivals the value of buffalo wings and Diet Coke. In this week's show, your host Spencer Durrant walks you through everything to know about catch-and-release. He shares science-based best practices for hooking, fighting, landing, and releasing trout, so that you're able to leave our fish and rivers in the best shape possible. You'll also learn about: Tips for tying better knots A suggestion on a good beginner fly pattern to tie The flies that Spencer HATES tying How to fish "weird" rivers QUESTIONS?! - Submit Them Here! 💥 Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Check out our beginner friendly e-Book all about ➡️ Picking the Right Fly VIDEO - Hook & Fight Fish VIDEO - Winter Fishing VIDEO - Fly Tying Masterclass PODCAST - Fly Reels 101 RESOURCE - Keep Fish Wet

Feb 28, 2024

Your intrepid host Spencer Durrant is joined this week by Matthew Lourdeau, the fellow behind the Casting Across blog and podcast! The bulk of this show centers on the lessons Matthew has learned about fly fishing from teaching it to his four sons. Spencer chimes in with his bad puns and a few anecodtes about guiding, and you'll also hear talk about the most valuable lesson we, as adult anglers, can learn from kids. This is a show chock-full of good times that you don't want to miss. Submit a question for the show here! Links from the Show Check out Casting Across . It's a truly wonderful resource for all anglers.

Feb 21, 2024

If you've struggled with poor casting performance, bad accuracy, or simply feel like you're inadequate, we have the solution for you! No, it's not another pill -- it's this episode of Untangled! Spencer Durrant, former guide and current diet soda connoisseur walks you through five tips to improve your fly casting, even if you can't make it to the river. You'll also learn about: Why your fly line sometimes slaps your rod during a cast Why fly rods break (and some potential fixes for them) Some tips for fishing during cold weather Submit a question for the show here! Links From The Show Fly Casting Video from the Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass The Fly Flinger 9' 5-weight Fly Rod! Winter Fly Fishing Podcast Episode

Feb 14, 2024

By listening to this episode, you'll become a fly tying genie! We'll remove ALL the pain associated with learning to tie flies, and you'll be whippin' out bugs in no time! Alright, that might be a bit hyperbolic - but it's always a blast when Spencer Durrant and Alex Stulce get together, and they bring a great bit of insight into this episode. You'll learn about how both Alex and Spencer got started tying flies, as well as some of their exclusive fly tying tips that can't be found anywhere else. This is a MUST-LISTEN for anyone interested in tying flies. Links From The Show The Beginner Fly Tying Masterclass

Feb 7, 2024

In this episode, Spencer Durrant breaks down what you NEED to know about booking a guided fly fishing trip. He explains how to get the best bang for your buck, and the mindset you need if you want to learn a TON from your guide. You'll also learn about: Furled leaders The differences between nylon and fluorocarbon Tips to avoid snagging up when fishing with 3 nymphs How to demagnetize your tying tools Submit a question for the show here! Links from the show Todd Tanner's story about guides in Hatch Magazine Ep. 50 -- learn more about leader types here! Ep. 47 -- Learn all about how we fly fish with nymphs!

Jan 31, 2024

In this episode, Spencer Durrant gets reel. Get it? It's a pun...oh, alright, enough with the dad jokes. Seriously - Spencer dishes on all the criteria that you actually need in a trout reel, so that you can buy the right reel for your fishing situation. In addition to that, you'll learn about: Some tips for beginning fly tiers, and why you should consider tying flies an investment The best fly rod for a young boy (hint: it's The Fly Flinger!) What to do if you hook into two trout at once (yes, it can happen!) Some tips for more effectively setting the hook on smaller trout Submit a question for the show here! Links from the show Beginner Fly Tying Masterclass episode on whether tying flies will save you money Check out the Fly Flinger fly rod here!

Jan 24, 2024

In this episode, Spencer Durrant walks you through the murky world of fly fishing next to tons of other anglers! The rules for crowded rivers are different than the etiquette you'd give on a small stream, and today, you'll learn three tips to make your experience on a crowded fishery that much better. In addition, Spencer also found two tips to help you catch more fish from these crowded fisheries. As if that wasn't enough, you'll also hear about: Tips for streamer fishing in murky water Advice for buying waders Using tippet rings Over and underlining fly rods The best knot for attaching a fly to your leader Submit a question for the show here! Links from the show Episode 24 -- Basic River Etiquette Pat Dorsey's blog post on river etiquette Blog post from Linehan Outfitters on fishing crowded rivers All about the Mono Rig from Troutbitten Episode 57 -- Waders Buying Guide Beginner Masterclass Video on Knots

Jan 17, 2024

In this week's episode, Spencer Durrant preaches about the use of barbless hooks for fly fishing! Ok, he doesn't preach -- but Spencer does lay out the reasons he uses barbless hooks, and why he recommends other anglers should try them. In addition to that stirring sermon, you'll also hear about: Tips for catching hatchery trout Whether you should limit your fly selection Tips on winter midge hatches The best flies for beginners to use Submit a question for the show here! Links from the show The blog post from Fulling Mill about barbless hooks Pick the Right Fly Masterclass Episode Our FREE Pick the Right Fly eBook The story about winter fly fishing from Fly Fisherman Magazine

Jan 10, 2024

CHECK OUT ALL of Skwala's great products HERE . Use code UNTANGLED10 for 10% off your next order at Skwala! This is a VERY SPECIAL EPISODE! More special than the perfect buffalo wings! Today, Spencer Durrant sits down with Kevin Sloane and Rich Hohne from Skwala Fishing, a technical apparel brand that's gained a reputation for outstanding quality, especially with their waders. Spencer interviews Kevin and Rich to learn all about waders, including: Why do some waders cost so much money? What makes a pair of waders "good?" What features should you look for in a pair of waders? Why do waders fail? Where are the most common failure points in a pair of waders? How do you properly store and clean waders? How do you know if your waders fit you correctly?

Jan 3, 2024

To kick off 2024, Spencer Durrant lists seven fly fishing skills that you NEED to master if you want to turn this year into your best year of fly fishing ever! You'll also learn about: How to fish pressured rivers How to keep your tippet from tangling during your casts The best times of the year to go fly fishing Tips for fishing for brook trout in lakes Oh, and you'll get a heavy dose of dad jokes and wing humor in this episode, so you don't want to miss it! Submit a question for the show here! Links from the show Watch our podcast on fishing emergers here! Watch our episode on nymphing here! Download our FREE Pocket Nymphing Guidebook here! Watch our Masterclass Video on Matching the Hatch here! Download our FREE Pick the Right Fly eBook here!

Dec 27, 2023

We had an AMAZING year here at Untangled. To celebrate, we're highlighting some of the best moments from the podcast from 2023. Spencer Durrant takes us back to some of the greatest bits of advice (and humor), including: All about fishing with emergers (from Ep. 46) One of our 6 Insider Tips for Success (from Ep. 32) How to approach new water with confidence (from Ep. 35) Do trout really remember being caught? (from Ep. 25) A how-to guide on landing trout on a fly rod (from Ep. 20) Submit a question for the show here!

Dec 20, 2023

In this episode, our intrepid host Spencer Durrant reaches back through 2023 to give you the 8 most important fly fishing lessons he's learned. Be prepared to laugh, to weep, and to fall in love all over again with fly fishing. As if that wasn't enough -- we have a bunch of great questions to answer on this week's show, including: When you should buy another fly rod (hint: always) Spencer's favorite basic dry fly patterns Tips on effectively fishing a dry-dropper rig Submit a question for the show here! Read the story about cleaning your waders here, via Troutbitten . Get our FREE eBook on matching the hatch here!

Dec 13, 2023

In this episode of Untangled, your host Spencer Durrant launches a new format to the show, and starts off with a great discussion about how to successfully fly fish during the winter. Yes, you'll be cold -- but you'll be catching fish, so that's all that matters, right? In addition to learning about winter fly fishing, you'll be treated to: Recommendations for reels for light fly rods Best flies to start tying How to get your fly line unstuck from a tree An overview of Euro nymphing Conservation and fishing challenges The best dry fly setup for heavily pressured Western rivers Advice on buying waders Remember, we have a BIG episode all about waders coming up soon! Ep. 57 will feature a sit-down with two experts in the wader industry - you don't want to miss it! Submit a question for the show here . Buy the Baker's Dozen Pack of Midge Nymphs HERE ! Buy the Baker's Dozen Pack of Midge Dries HERE ! Watch the Beginning Fly Tying Masterclass HERE !

Dec 6, 2023

Length matters! Especially for fly rods. In this week's episode, you'll learn why fly rod length matters and why you want certain rod lengths for certain fishing situations. On top of all that, you'll learn: All the different VFC resources available for you FOR FREE! How to fish really deep holes How to identify hook sizes and tips on organizing your fly box The best rods for small creek fishing Enter the VFC Holidays Giveaway HERE ! Submit a question for the podcast here . Get the Pick the Right Fly eBook HERE ! Get our Pocket Nymphing Guide HERE ! Ep. 22 -- All About Fly Rods How to Roll Cast - VIDEO How to Cast a Fly Rod - VIDEO Winter Midges Story in Hatch Magazine

Nov 29, 2023

In this week's episode, you'll learn more than you ever thought possible about fly line! And we promise, it's NOT boring! In fact, knowing this info about fly lines will help you pick the best fly line for YOUR fishing situations. In addition, you'll learn about: The best rod and reel combos for beginners Recommended flies for largemouth and smallmouth bass Tips for casting dry-dropper rigs How to handle fly line memory problems You can enter the 1,000 Fly Giveaway HERE! Submit a question for the podcast here . Shop our Starter Packs here . Watch our Fly Fishing Masterclass video on Fly Casting here .

Nov 22, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant teaches you how to recognize what a riffle is, why trout love to hang out in them so much, and how to catch TONS of fish from this type of water. As if that wasn't enough, you'll also learn: What impact bug spray/sun screen has on your fly line Tips for improving your casting Flies with spinners on them (yes, this is a thing) A bunch of information about different types of leaders PLEASE RATE AND SUBSCRIBE TO THIS SHOW! If you have a question you'd like Spencer to answer, submit it here . Take a look at our NOW IN STOCK Starter Packs here . Watch the video on fly casting from our Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass here . Read our blog post about fishing riffles here .

Nov 15, 2023

In this week's episode, you'll learn all about the two basic rigs for fishing with dry flies. These are the rigs that you really need if you want to be successful with dry flies. You'll also learn about a bunch of other topics, including: How to set the hook on dry fly takes Some tips for wading safely (so you don't take an unplanned swim) What nymph rigs you can fish without an indicator You can submit a question for the show here . Watch the video about dry fly rigs here . Read the blog series on how to find fish here . Get our FREE Guidebook on Matching the Hatch here .

Nov 8, 2023

In this week's episode, Spencer Durrant discusses a tried-and-true formula for handling rejection. No, not that kind! The kind when a trout refuses your fly! Spencer's Formula for Handling Rejection will help turn those moments of sadness and frustration into success. In addition to Spencer's 4 Keys for Avoiding Rejection, you'll learn about: Whether you should cut the welded loop off the front of your fly line How to understand what water levels (measured in cubic feet per second, or CFS) can tell you about how a river might be fishing at any given moment Some can't-miss techniques for feeling subtle bites (like all those Colorado trout like to do) Two ways to find places to fish if you're new to fly fishing Click here to submit a question for Untangled . Click here to watch the video from Orvis on micro drag .

Nov 1, 2023

In this episode, host Spencer Durrant is joined by Alex Stulce to talk about everything related to nymphing! You'll learn: How to utilize various rigs (standard nymph rigs, Euro rigs, etc.) Why nymphing is so effective How to get flies into the strike zone How to tell if your nymphs are deep enough And much more! Submit a question for the podcast here . Download the FREE Pocket Nymphing Guide here . Download the FREE Pick the Right Fly eBook here . Our diagram of the Bounce Rig is here . Our diagram of a Dry Dropper Rig is here . Our video on How to Roll Cast is here .

Oct 25, 2023

In this episode, fly fishing author and guide Spencer Durrant teaches you everything you need to know about fly fishing with emergers. You'll also hear about: Rods and lines for saltwater fly fishing How to keep your flies from falling apart How to find big fish in small rivers How to pick the right dropper Submit a question for the show here . You can read Spencer's story about finding big fish in small water here . FREE eBook on Picking the Right Fly can be downloaded here .

Oct 18, 2023

In this episode, former guide and fly fishing author Spencer Durrant walks you through some simple tips to help you master fly fishing on lakes. You'll also learn about: Basic streamer tips How to know if you have enough weight when nymphing Identifying trout How to find quality flies Rigs for smallmouth bass How to properly store your gear Submit a question for the show here . Learn more about fishing streamers in this show ---> Ep. 38 -- Fishing Streamers View our fly assortments here . Read Dave Whitlock's story about fishing for smallmouth bass here . Read the VFC article about fishing alpine lakes here . Read the story about Spencer's broken fly rod here .

Oct 11, 2023

In this episode, fly fishing author and former guide Spencer Durrant dishes on the five tips that he thinks every beginning fly angler absolutely needs to know. You'll also learn about: Ultralight fly rods Float tubes Picking a fly rod for use in saltwater How long flies and fly tying supplies last You can submit a question for the show here . You can read our blog series on how to find fish here . You can read Todd Tanner's piece on 10 Commandments for Beginning Anglers here . Get the eBook on matching the hatch here . You can buy our fly tying packs here .

Oct 4, 2023

In this episode, fly fishing author and former guide Spencer Durrant goes through 13 tips that can help you immediately elevate your fly tying skills. These are the tips that Spencer wishes he'd had when he started tying flies. In addition, you'll learn about: When to replace your fly line Spencer's favorite gear for wet wading Stripping baskets Line management Some tips on knots You can submit a question for the show here . You can watch our fly casting video here . You can find our Beginner Fly Tying Masterclass here .

Sep 27, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant talks about a killer tactic that can seriously improve your fly fishing skills. In addition, you'll learn about: Picking a beginner rod and reel setup Some of the best fly fishing books (in Spencer's opinion) How to fly fish murky water How to use split shot effectively (Alex has a framework for you to use!) How to get along with other anglers You can submit a question for the show here . Buy the Fly Flinger here . Watch Ep. 22 of Untangled, about picking fly rods, here . Watch the video of Kelly Galloup fishing murky water here .

Sep 20, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant walks you through how to catch more fish with small flies (which EVERYONE needs in their fly box). You'll also learn about: Float tubes How to recognize emergers and duns Matching the hatch with streamers How to fish with other anglers You can submit a question for the podcast here. Get the FREE VFC eBook on Picking the Right Fly here .

Sep 13, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant talks about a game-changing emerger pattern that all of us should have in our fly boxes - the soft hackle! In addition to that, you'll hear about: Tips for flying with your fly fishing gear Using tippet rings When to clean and replace your fly line How to rig a dry dropper When to replace your leader Choosing a fly rod Submit a question for the podcast here . You can shop our leaders here ! Our Fly Flinger and Reel combo can be found here .

Sep 6, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant sits down with VFC Co-Founder and CVO Alex Stulce to talk about 7 ways you can improve your skills as a fly angler. You can submit a quesiton for the show here . You can watch the Fly Tying Masterclass here .

Aug 30, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant gets down and dirty with streamers by doling out some basic tips and tricks to help you master fishing these interesting flies. In addition, you'll learn about: Tips for organizing your fly box The difference between leader and tippet How to target smallmouth bass on the fly rod When to use different rods for different situations You can submit a question for the show here . The story by Dave Whitlock about fishing for smallmouth bass can be found here . Our Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass is here .

Aug 23, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant talks about why he thinks fly fishing apps are bad for the industry in general, and what can be done to stop them. You'll also hear: Recommendations on fly fishing literature Tips for rigging up a fly rod Tips for casting Matching your fly to the right tippet size You can submit a question for the podcast here . Watch the video on setting up a fly rod here . Watch the video on casting here .

Aug 16, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant talks about three easy tips to help you hook into more big fish as you're fly fishing. In addition, you'll also learn about: What gear you need to get started with fly fishing The ultimate bucket list fly fishing trip E-scouting for fishing You can submit a question for the podcast here . View our Fly Fishing Masterclass here . You can shop our Starter Packs here . Read Dom Swentosky's article about hooking into big fish here .

Aug 9, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant talks about a few tips to help you approach any new water with confidence. Other topics discussed include: The right fishing net to use How to fish in rivers with low trout populations Tips for teaching yourself to fly fish You can submit a question for the podcast here . Watch and subscribe to the Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass here . Check out the Ventures Fly Co. Blog here .

Aug 2, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant talks about how you can predict a trout's behavior if you correctly understand the impact seasons have on hatches and bug activity. In addition, Spencer talks about: Tips for getting started with tying flies Euro nymphs vs regular nymphs Different rigs for trout feeding in different parts of the water column Congrats to the winner of our Starter Pack Giveaway, Parker Caskey! Submit a question for the show here . Find the Fly Tying Mega Kit here . Watch the Fly Tying Masterclass here . Watch the Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass here . Listen to Episode 2 of Untangled, about Monofilament vs Fluorocarbon lines, here . Read more about the biodegradability of monofilament and fluorocarbon here .

Jul 26, 2023

In this episode, host Spencer Durrant talks about some can't-miss tactics that will improve your fly fishing success on any river, but especially on tailwaters. In addition, you'll hear about: Why a drag-free drift isn't always the best presentation Bounce rigs and other fly fishing rigs What beginners should expect from fly fishing Submit a question for the show here . Our new Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass is now live! Watch it here . Here's the link for the Provo Bounce Rig setup. Download our FREE eBook on picking the right fly here .

Jul 19, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant sits down with VFC Co-Founder Alex Stulce to talk about 6 lessons they wish all beginning anglers knew. They also talk about a huge announcement from VFC and a brand-new giveaway! Stay tuned to the episode to hear about the announcement and giveaway. Topics discussed in this episode; The importance of presenting flies properly How to pick the right fly Getting the right depth with nymphs The role that pressure plays on how a river fishes How to properly catch and release fish How to find fish in rivers You can submit a question for the podcast here .

Jul 12, 2023

In this episode, Spencer discusses the one simple piece of tackle that fish - especially trout - just flat-out ignore. Learning about this can be key to becoming a better angler. In addition, Spencer talks about: Fishing with multiple dry flies Building fly rods Tips for your next guided fishing trip You can submit a question for the show here . You can read the article about trout and how they see the hook here .

Jul 5, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant talks about some go-to tips for catching trout from lakes. In addition, you'll learn about: Casting tips Using light at night to catch trout Wading staffs Tips for anglers switching from bass to trout fishing Submit a question for the podcast here . Read the Troutbitten article about wading staffs here .

Jun 28, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant sits down with Alex Stulce to give listeners a framework for how to pick the right fly for any fishing situation, even if you don't know anything about bugs. Download our new eBook "Picking The Right Fly For ANY Fishing Situation" here . You can submit a question for the show here .

Jun 21, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant dishes some tips to help you mend fly line like the pros. In addition to mending, Spencer discusses: Matching the hatch The best knots for big fish How to rig up for nymphs Flies to use for pike Best wading boot soles As always, you can submit a question for the podcast here . Chapters 6:32 - Nymph rigs 15:41 - Flies for pike 19:50 - Mending fly line 29:32 - Best wading boot soles

Jun 14, 2023

In this episode, host Spencer Durrant discusses the most important skill that every angler needs to mater. In addition to that, Spencer talks about: The best gear for beginners Bad fishing guides Polarized sunglasses Wings The best fly lines for tricky presentations When to level up your fly rod size You can submit a question for the show here . Enter to win a fly rod and reel here . You can find our Starter Pack here . You can find the link to the Orvis casting video here .

Jun 7, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant discusses how to find the hidden fishing spots that most other anglers ignore. In addition, you'll hear about: Basic knots fly anglers need to know How to pick the right leader for your flies How to pick wading boots The merits of chest packs vs sling packs Fly Rod and Reel Giveaway | Click Here! Ep. 5 | Weighted Flies Blog post on fishing pocket water

May 31, 2023

In this episode, host Spencer Durrant talks about whether fish can remember being caught, as well as the following topics: Fishing for bass with dry flies What a sighter is, and why they're used Casting streamers General fly casting tips You can submit a question for the show here .

May 24, 2023

In this episode, Spencer Durrant talks about: River etiquette while fly fishing Slings vs vests Avoiding tangles with dry-dropper rigs Loose reels Fishing with guides You can submit a question for the show HERE Article | Rigging a Dry-Dropper

May 17, 2023

Submit a question for the show here - Submit ARTICLE - Teach Kids Fly Fishing - Teach Kids to Fly Fish | Hatch Mag In this episode, we discuss: Wading boots The Grand Slam in Colorado When to take kids fly fishing How to add variety to your fly collection Catching kokanee salmon on a fly rod

May 10, 2023

Submit a question for the show here: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions The Flysmith Vise - https://rebrand.ly/Aud-UT22-Vise ARTICLE - Fly Rods - https://rebrand.ly/Aud-UT22-Fly-Rods In this episode, Alex joins the show with Spencer to tackle everything you need to know about fly rods! Action, length, and weight are all discussed, as are use cases for each rod type. You're not gonna want to miss this!

May 3, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire Congrats to our Mega Kit winner Trent Nielsen, of Utah! In this episode, we discuss: Rigging dry droppers When, or if, you should twitch your dry flies The merits of the whip finish vs the half hitch Some help with entomolgoy Link to the hatch chart: https://www.skyblueoutfitters.com/hatch-chart/

Apr 26, 2023

Submit a question and be entered to win a Fly Tying Mega Kit! Winner announced 5/3/23! https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we discuss: How to land big fish on a fly rod Fly selection for wild vs stocked trout Dry-dropper rigs Fishing murky water Email address to send pics of your fish to: lifereellife@venturesflyco.com The Flysmith Vise: https://venturesflyco.com/collections/vise/products/the-flysmith-vise?_atid=NDixM7mYrO104vyKsrECZ4RqtBkKA7 Article on rigging a dry-dropper rig: https://blog.venturesflyco.com/2022/05/19/setting-up-a-dry-dropper-rig/

Apr 19, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast and be entered to win a FREE Fly Tying MEGA Kit! https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire Fly Tying Mega Kit can be found here: https://venturesflyco.com/products/vfc-fly-tying-mega-kit In this episode, we cover: The importance of observing bugs on the water when casting to picky fish Magic flies don't exist The welded loops on fly lines, and the best fly line to leader connection out there How to see tiny dry flies when you're fishing Article series on picking the right fly: https://blog.venturesflyco.com/how-to-pick-the-right-fly/ Video for making your own welded loop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q6VCKI22vw George Anderson's article on seeing small dry flies: https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/how-to-fish-small-dry-flies/462202

Apr 12, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we cover: How to keep your leader from getting tangled when casting The top 5 flies from each member of the VFC crew How to fish eddies The best dry fly floatant The wonderful Orvis video on fishing eddies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEFrwk3TFrg&t=253s Murray Fly Shop floatant test: https://www.murraysflyshop.com/pages/which-dry-fly-floatant-works-the-best-a-comparison-test

Apr 5, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we cover: Coke Zero vs Diet Coke (Coke, please sponsor us) What to know about sink-tip fly lines Woolly buggers vs leeches What rod to use for dry flies, nymphs, and streamers Dave Whitlock story on fishing for panfish: https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/fly-fishing-for-sunfish-and-panfish/152407#:~:text=Bluegill%20are%20fun%20to%20hook,action%2C%20and%20light%20fly%20reels Orvis resource on sink-tip and full-sink lines: https://www.orvis.com/should-i-use-a-sink-tip-or-full-sink-fly-line/should-i-use-a-sink-tip-or-full-sink-fly-line.html#:~:text=Sink%2Dtip%20and%20sinking%20fly,where%20the%20fish%20will%20be

Mar 29, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast here: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we: Introduce new products from VFC! Fly tying kits are launching April 9! Discuss common questions for beginning fly tiers, including: Is it really cheaper to tie your own flies? How easy is it to tie flies that fish actually eat? Is tying flies fun?

Mar 22, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast here: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we cover: How to find carp How to rig up your rods when you get to the river Sunglasses! Why you need them and their value The blog series on how to pick the right fly: https://blog.venturesflyco.com/how-to-pick-the-right-fly/ The story from Joe Cermele in Outdoor Life about carp: https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/fly-fishing-for-carp/

Mar 15, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast here: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we discuss: What tippet test ratings mean, and how they impact your fishing Dry fly rods Line dressing Buy some VFC tippet here: https://venturesflyco.com/collections/tippet-leaders/products/superflex-plus-tippet?_atid=NDixM7mYrO10EVq6GgPYkOx0Vok6IC Story about rigging up for nymph rigs: https://blog.venturesflyco.com/2022/04/12/the-beginners-guide-to-nymphing/ MidCurrent story about line storage: https://midcurrent.com/experts/the-best-way-to-store-fly-lines/

Mar 8, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast here: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we cover: Fly reels - everything to know about them! How to keep your dry-dropper rigs from getting tangled Matching a Euro reel to a Euro rod Link to the Troutbitten article about fishing tandem rigs: https://troutbitten.com/2018/03/07/fly-fishing-strategies-tangle-free-tandem-rigs/ Trouts Fly Fishing article about picking a Euro reel: https://troutsflyfishing.com/a/info/blog/euro-nymphing-fly-rod-and-reel-set-up-good-better-best

Mar 1, 2023

Submit a quetsion for the podcast here: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we cover: Fly rod action Fitting into your waders The secret to keeping dry flies afloat Tenkara! Link to the Fly Flinger Rod: https://venturesflyco.com/collections/rods/products/the-fly-flinger-rod?_atid=NDixM7mYrO10EVq6GgPYkOx0VokrgI0

Feb 22, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we cover: The difference between deer body and deer belly hair River flow graphs and how to understand them Flies for beginners Why you should construct your nymph rig with the largest flies first Link to the Essential Collection: https://venturesflyco.com/collections/assortments/products/the-essential-collection

Feb 15, 2023

Submit a question: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we cover: The flies you need for lake fishing Making your own tapered leaders Tungsten beads on flies How to shoot line and add distance to your cast A list of must-have flies from Drew Rodden: https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/tuesday-tip-top-10-flies-for-stillwater-trout Building a tapered leader from Tim Flagler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmEBAXzYMD0 Casting vidoes from Pete Kutzer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8idd4kgXY4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6irs1T1mjg

Feb 8, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we discuss: The truth about what colors fish do and don't see Fly rod length and weight How to tell flies apart How to get started with new fishing techniques VFC Ultimate Fly Collection - 200 Fly Assortment: https://venturesflyco.com/collections/assortments/products/the-ultimate-collection-1 The wonderful article about how trout react to fly color: https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/does-fly-color-matter/365180 VFC series on picking flies: https://blog.venturesflyco.com/how-to-pick-the-right-fly/ VFC Blog: https://blog.venturesflyco.com/ VFC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@venturesflyco VFC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@venturesflyco VFC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturesflyco/?hl=en

Feb 1, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we tackle: Fishing with trash flies, including tips for doing so successfully Stripping baskets Magic flies Must-have patterns for trout fishing Links mentioned in the show: How to get a drag-free drift: https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/how-to-fish-flies-on-a-dead-drift/368122 Magic Flies: https://blog.venturesflyco.com/2022/09/28/the-truth-about-magic-flies/

Jan 25, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast here: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we cover: Tips for effectively fishing small streams Bobbins - what size you should be using Why we don't place split shot right in front of a fly Links to helpful information from today's show: https://fightmasterflyfishing.com/index.php/2019/01/31/adjusting-weight-when-nymphing/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL7yLNSUadw

Jan 18, 2023

Submit a question to the podcast: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we cover: The one piece of gear you shouldn't skimp out on - you NEED to hear about this! Fishing with poppers How to pick the right nymph for a dry dropper rig VFC Rod & Reel Combo: https://venturesflyco.com/rodandreelcombo VFC Starter Packs: https://venturesflyco.com/starter-packs

Jan 11, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast here: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire In this episode, we cover: What to know about fishing egg patterns Is expensive fly line really worth it? How do I know if I'm fishing too deep? Links: Dos and Don'ts of Fishing the Spawn: https://blog.venturesflyco.com/2022/10/21/the-dos-and-donts-of-fishing-the-spawn/ Fly Line Taper Information: https://midcurrent.com/gear/the-best-fly-line-for-you/ https://www.scientificanglers.com/understanding-fly-line-tapers/

Jan 4, 2023

Submit a question for the podcast here: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire On this week's show, we discuss: Where to find fish in lakes and ponds How to get small flies to the bottom of a pool The knots you need to know (there's only THREE!) Links: Locating Stillwater Trout by Ross Purnell: https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/locating-stillwater-trout/330290 Tips for Fishing Alpine Lakes: https://blog.venturesflyco.com/2022/08/18/tips-for-fishing-alpine-lakes/ How to Get Your Flies Deeper by Domenick Swentosky: https://troutbitten.com/2019/03/03/five-ways-to-get-your-fly-deeper/ The Knots you Need: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ghw_DsLmgU&ab_channel=TheOrvisCompany

Dec 28, 2022

In this episode: We cover how to organize your fly box! The best way to do it, including tips from guide Spencer Durrant How to catch fish during winter; specifically, where trout hang out during the colder months of the year Learning which flies to use during a hatch Links Submit a question for the podcast: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire Where trout hang out during the winter: https://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/how-to-articles/trout-fishing-articles/how-to-find-trout-in-winter The VFC Guide to Choosing Flies: https://blog.venturesflyco.com/how-to-pick-the-right-fly/

Dec 21, 2022

In this episode: We dive into the great debate between using monofilament and fluorocarbon tippets and leaders How to use strike indicators How much to tip guides How long to fish a pool before moving on Links Submit a question for the podcast: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire How much to tip guides: https://www.hatchmag.com/articles/why-and-how-much-you-should-tip-your-fishing-guide/7714957 Fluoro vs. Mono: https://www.epicflyrods.com/blogs/news/15472069-cutting-through-the-bullshit-the-mono-vs-fluoro-debate

Dec 14, 2022

In the first episode of Untangled: Fly Fishing for Everyone, host Spencer Durrant introduces the show. This is a show designed to help us all grow as fly anglers. We take questions from listeners, answer them, and share stories along the way. In this epsiode, we cover: Casting big, heavy flies Casting heavy nymph rigs Getting flies down deep with split shot and polyleaders How to know when your nymphs are deep enough The flies you need to master as a beginning tier You can submit questions for future epsidoes here: https://rebrand.ly/UT-Questionnaire For the article about fly casting tips, click here: https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/how-to-fly-cast-weighted-fly-line/152074