The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast

In this episode, fisheries biologist Shawn Good [24:00] shares insights into the diverse and rewarding world of fish biology, including how fish populations are sampled, the impact of environmental factors, and the importance of habitat conservation. In this episode, Shawn discusses stream habitat connectivity, culvert design, fish migration, and the success of Lake Champlain's lake trout restoration program. He emphasizes the importance of habitat management and collaboration among agencies to protect aquatic ecosystems.
 
In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions, tips, and suggestions, including:
Why you should always stop into local fly shops when traveling

Can I overline my rod by more than two line sizes?

A tip from a listener on how to get custom colors on tying materials

My fly rod section twists out of alignment constantly.  How do I fix this?

I have been catching shiners on my fly rod, but what flies should I use for catching some medium-sized bass?

How do you know when to tie on a new piece of tippet?

Do half size tippets make a difference?

Roadless Areas are some of the most important coldwater refuges for trout and salmon, and also prime spawning areas. Yet they are under threat because the Forst Service has proposed to eliminate them. Learn how you can quickly and easily voice your opinion and it WILL matter. And you need to do it in the next couple weeks. Chris Wood [43:52] is always a great guest and you'll learn more than just about this issue. For instance, you'll learn the difference between a Roadless Area and Wilderness Area and what you can and can't do on each type of public land.
In the Fly Box this week, we have some questions and controversies, including: 
Why do I get knots along my whole leader and how can I eliminate them?
I found a bunch of big brook trout at the mouth of a cold tributary and caught one of them. Was this ethical?
I want to restrict myself to Adams, Pheasant Tails, and Woolly Buggers for a season. What do you think of this idea?
A listener actually enjoys foul-hooking trout because they fight better. He thinks we all need to chill out about foul-hooking fish. What do you think of this?
My creek gets super low and I can't get a cast over the fish. What can I do, and do you think a tightline technique would be better?
I live in Washington State and have a 10-foot 8-weight rod for salmon and steelhead. Are there any other places I can use this rod in my area?
The bass jumped all over a Senko Worm but I can't catch them on flies. Are there any bass flies that will work as well?
 What should I expect on my first float trip?
How can I identify good water for swinging wet flies

Many flies cross boundaries and you shouldn't hesitate to experiment with flies designed for other species. Tarpon flies will catch striped bass, smallmouths, and trout. Squirmy Worms and Mop flies work for bass, carp, and even bonefish. Steelhead, shad, and carp take bonefish flies. The list goes on, and Tim [35:08] and Tom relate stories where the "wrong" fly has often saved the day. It's a fun discussion.
In the Fly Box, my plea for phone calls has produced some great ones as well as the usual e-mails. Some of the questions and tips include:
Is there any reason I can't cut the hook off a jig head and use that for drop shotting?
A tip from a listener on a way to make guides in foreign countries very happy.
Any pros or cons to fly lines made from PVC as opposed to other materials?
Will a 5-weight rod work for light saltwater fishing?
How do you fish for carp in a lake with no visibility?
A comment on fishing etiquette.
Why do the catfish in my river jump clear of the water?
Which hook should I cut off my articulated streamers?
A great tip from a listener on tying blood knots.

My guest this week is Orvis ambassador George Daniel [31:48], who is also a guide, an author, and teaches the Fly Fishing class at Penn State. George is always questioning fly-fishing tactics, and he has some new ideas that surprisingly contradict what he has written in the past. You'll learn about his new leader design, why he typically fishes only a single nymph, why he doesn't use tippet rings any more, and why he uses a loop knot for large dry flies. And much more, including some interesting new fly patterns.
In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips:
With the increase in tungsten prices, will sinking lines be more expensive in the future?
What do I need for a basic setup to begin steelhead fishing?
A tip from a listener on a killer fly for catching bullhead
A warning from a listener on his experience with flesh eating bacteria that he encountered on a fishing trip.
A tip from a listener on using a bass bug taper for fishing large dry flies in the wind.
In a tailwater that fluctuates daily, how do large changes in flow affect the trout and the insects?
Why do I miss most of my hook sets when fishing dry flies?

What is the trout fishing like in Patagonia? Is it worth the time and expense? Is it truly the trip of a lifetime? And what should you expect on a trip to this magical place? Will you catch the biggest trout of your life? Is it really uncrowded? My guest this week is long-time lodge owner and guide Eduardo Barrueto [42:05] of Magic Waters in Chile, and he gives a great overview of what to expect on your first trout-fishing trip to Patagonia.
In the Fly Box this week, we have some particularly interesting questions that I think will be of interest to many of you, including:
How can I read the water, and what is the best depth for finding trout in a river?
Should I use tippet rings for bonefish?
I have trouble with my knots when making fluorocarbon leaders for bass. What do you suggest?
Should I be setting the hook more often when indicator nymphing?
Is it true that New England fly fishers work a stream more rapidly? How long should I stay in one spot?
How do I keep my foam bodies on dry flies from wrapping around the hook shank?
I have high grass along the banks of my favorite stream. Would I be better with a Tenkara rod or a Euro rod?
Is there really a difference between the various natural furs for fly tying? Can I substitute?
Is it possible to build a fly rod with an interchangeable section that transforms a 9-foot rod to a 10-footer?
What are the pros and cons of using a rope fly for gar?