WFS 035 – Davy Wotton Wet Fly Fishing Interview | White River Arkansas, Classic Flies

August 14, 2018

I had a great interview with Davy Wotton on Wet Fly Fishing and his long history around fly fishing. He guides on the White River in Arkansas where he has been for 20 years.

We talk about what the biggest struggle is with wet fly fishing and ways to overcome these concerns. Davy talks about fishing a “cast” of flies that might include 4 flies on one leader, the biggest fly tying tip he knows of and what he has learned from a life of fishing.

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(Read the full transcript at the bottom of this blog post)

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Show Notes with Davy Wotton

08:00 – SLF Dubbing was originally created by Davy and was sold to Wapsi.

29:00 – Dave Whitlock is a good of Davy’s and someone who spends a lot of time with fishing and hunting.

33:35 – The perfect wet fly rod is a 10′ rod in a medium action.

34:35 – The best fly line to use for wet fly fishing.

35:05 – RIO’s Hover line is one Davy likes to use on moving water systems.

39:05 – The angle of the hang and the need to keep your line off the water is key to wet fly swing.

48:35 – You can find all of Davy’s videos at his website here.

50:30 – Davy was published in the American Angler and other magazines.

54:10 – Wichhams Fancy tied by Davie McPhail, the Cockle bundy, partridge and orange and others are the top 10 wet flies.

61:30 – Oscar Evens was from North Whales and was a huge mentor for Davy.

1:05:10 – Masina was one of the first fly tying material companies.

1:06:36 – Herters catalog supported the UK material companies back in the day.

1:17:26 – The Davy Knot is the only knot Davy uses for tying his fly on.

1:19:55 – How to hold and tie in a wing on a wet fly. Use your middle finger, not your index finger.

You can reach Davy at davywottonflyfishing.com if you have any questions about this episode or fly fishing in general. You can also reach Davy at his email: davyfly@ozarkmountains.com.

Read the full Transcript of this Podcast Episode

Conclusion with Davey Wotton

I wanted to give a big thank you to Davy Wotton for the awesome show. So many great tips and a perfect perspective on our connection with the UK and a technique that still produces to this day.

How to Tie a Green Rat Atlantic Salmon Fly Pattern | Fly Tying Tutorial [video]

By Dave -

August 9, 2018

In todays fly tying video I show you how to tie the Green Rat. This pattern was tied originally by Warren Duncan for Atlantic Salmon but is a good steelhead pattern as well.

Click here to watch the Green Rat video:

Green Rat Material List

Thread: Size 70 Ultra Thread red (click here to purchase)

Hook: Dai-Riki #899 Size #6 (click here to purchase)

Tail: Peacock Sword (click here to purchase)

Body: back half green floss (click here to purchase) and front half peacock (click here to purchase)

Rib: Medium silver oval tinsel (click here to purchase)

Hackle: Grizzly Hackle (click here to purchase)

Under-Wing: White Calf-tail and orange calf tail (click here to purchase)

Wing: Grey Squirrel (click here to purchase)

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links and I receive a small commission if you purchase at no additional charge to you.

Conclusion

The Green Rat as tied by me and as originally tied by Warren Duncan was the focus of this fly tying tutorial. If you have any additional questions please leave a comment below or connect with me on social.

How to Tie a Max Canyon – Fly Tying Tutorial

By Dave -

August 2, 2018

In this video tutorial I show you how to tie the Max Canyon (aka Macks Canyon). This summer steelhead pattern was invented by my dad back in the 1970’s.

Scroll below to find the links to purchase all of the materials for this fly pattern.

Click here to watch the Max Canyon Video:

Max Canyon Material List

Thread: Size 70 Ultra Thread red (click here to purchase)

Hook: Dai-Riki #899 Size #6 (click here to purchase)

Tail: White calf tail (click here to purchase) and orange calf tail (click here to purchase)

Body: back half orange yarn (click here to purchase bulk) , front half black yarn (click here to purchase bulk)

Rib: Gold Oval Tinsel (click here to purchase)

Hackle: Black Hackle (click here to purchase)

Wing: White Calf-tail and orange calf tail (link to purchase above)

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links and I receive a small commission if you purchase at no additional charge to you.

Here is the link to the podcast interview I did with my dad where we discuss this pattern and others.

Max Canyon Conclusion

This fly really hits home for me since my dad created it and we have caught so many steelhead on it over the years.

In the max canyon fly series The Stewart is another goto pattern. Here is the link to one of my fly tying tutorials for the stewart.

WFS 033 – The Fly Tapes Podcast and Writers on the Fly Interview with Jason Rolfe

By Dave -

July 31, 2018

I had a great chat with Jason Rolfe from the Fly Tapes Podcast and Writers on the Fly. Jason has been doing an amazing job of showcasing some of the great fly fishing writers we have the priviledge of reading today.

Jason talks about what it takes to be a great writer and why he’s obsessed with writers and writing. He has published pieces on The Fly Fish Journal and the Drake Magazine. I’m really excited to introduce you to Jason to see all the great stuff he has going on.

Click below to listen to the Jason Rolfe Podcast:

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Show Notes with Jason Rolfe:

05:05 – Emerald Water Angling Fly Shop was the first shop that Jason worked in.

05:35 – Roderick Haig-Brown was one of Jason’s big influences. Here is a video on Fishermans’ Fall.

06:20 – Writers on the Fly is the local reading event that Jason puts together during the fall.

07:36 – Raymon Carver was another big influence and a writer that focused on short stories.

10:35 – Casey Underwood was on the fly tapes in episode 15.

16:20 – The episode on swallows as presented by Steve Douda (Steve’s reading starts at 48:00 in).

17:10 – Episode 17 of the Fly Tapes Podcast presented Langdon Cook. Langdon Cook was also on episode 3 about fishing with his boy.

27:15 – Jay Johnson podcast on Pig Farm Inc. and the fly fish journal article.

39:15 – Steven Pressfield and the War of Art was a big influence on me and demonstrates what some writers go through in their lives.

42:00 – The Fly Fish Journal and The Drake Magazine are two of Jason’s favorite fly fishing magazines.

46:00 – The Drake Cast is another great podcast out there as well.

59:14 – Patagonia has been a sponsor of the Cascadia Tour which is the Writers on the Fly show Jason produces.

1:01:20 – The River Horse Podcast was one of Jason’s most popular episodes.

You can reach Jason at syzygy fly fishing where he shares all of the Fly Tapes Podcast episodes, Writers on the Fly and some other videos and good stuff.

You can also find Writers on the Fly and Jason on Instagram here.

https://www.theflyfishjournal.com/2017/10/the-fly-tapes/

Conclusion with Jason Rolfe

That episode was a little bit different from past shows and a lot of fun. Jason really helped me to think more about getting back into writing. Nothing comes easy and like fly casting you have to practice, practice and practice to get better.

Please click the link above and connect with Jason if you have questions.

WFS 032 – Deschutes River Salmon Fly Hatch with John Smeraglio + Fireside Chat with Dave

By Dave -

July 24, 2018

I’ve got a special episode today to celebrate launching into season 2. I interview John Smeraglio from the Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop, share a first time on the air fireside chat with Dave and friends.

I also share a short audio clip of a intense experience after a raft dumped in one of the larger rapids on the river and my process in helping them get to shore safely. This is the first time that we’ve had this type of show so enjoy.

Click below to listen to the podcast with John Smeraglio

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Show Notes for the Salmon Fly Trip

10:13 – Pretend the Deschutes is 30′ wide so you can focus your effort for trout.

20:00 – Best times for the trip are from May 10th through June 10th.

32:00 – Rick Hafele as the “BugWan” and the fly fishing videos John and Rick produced.

34:50 – The story of how the Bhagwan Rajneesh took over a small Oregon town.

36:10 – Fishing Large Western Rivers with 4 volumes. You can check these videos at this link.

38:30 – Entomology Class presented by John in coordination with Rick Hafele.

Here’s a short video clip on running whitehorse which is the rapid that dumped the boat in this episode.

51:10 – Don’t fall down or a pig will eat you (advice from Shannon) Here’s a clip from the movie Snatch where the dude describes how a pig would do it.

56:00 – The stimulator and prince nymph were killer patterns.

You can reach John at the Deschutes Canyon Fly Shop (http://www.flyfishingdeschutes.com/) if you have any questions.

I wanted to give a big thank you to you, John Smeraglio and my friends who were on the trip. As you can tell from the end of this episode, I always have a good time on the river hanging with my buds.

I hope you enjoyed this episode and will look forward to moving into season 2 of the show. If you are interested in getting the top 3 fly fishing tips from my last guest sent to you on Thursdays, click the link below: https://wetflyswing.com/3tips

WFS 031 – Deschutes River Steelhead with Doug Stewart | Fly Fishing Pioneer, The Max Canyon, Rattlesnake Tales

By Dave -

July 17, 2018

Doug Stewart, one of my biggest mentors and my dad, is on the show today to talk about some of the history of steelhead fly fishing on the Deschutes River.

Some topics really hit home with me especially as he talked about my grandpa and the comparisons between the two. We talk about some of his big influences and how 30 years of guiding came to be in his life.

Click below to listen to the Doug Stewart Podcast:

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Show Notes with Doug Stewart

02:00 – Here’s a link to the first episode I put together with my dad.

04:30 Take a look below for the picture of Roderick Haig-Brown that looks just like my dad.

08:50 – Here’s a link to the Jim Teeny episode. Jim was there with my dad in the early days of fly fishing on the deschutes and around Oregon.

13:40 – Fly Fish Food will be on the show in a few episodes and is a great example of an online company doing well on the side.

14:50 – A River Runs Through It was the biggest fly fishing movie of all time.

17:00 – Some of the books Doug has published include Tying and Fishing Outstanding Flies, The Practical Fly Fisher and Rattlesnake Tails. He has also produced articles for various fly fishing magazines.

19:55 – Steve Duda in this episode noted the fact that John Gierach’s submissions are always perfect to the Fly Fish Journal.

27:15 – John Shewey was on the show in episode 16 and noted the impact of the Max Canyon fly pattern that Doug created back in the day.

30:25 – Here is a video on tying The Stewart, here’s a photo of the Dark Max and the Max Canyon flies.

40:50 – Books recommended by Doug Stewart include Trout by Ray Bergman and Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing by Joseph Bates.

42:40 – Here’s a video tying the Dark Tied Down Caddis, one of Doug’s favorite wet flies for trout fishing.

You can reach Doug Stewart at FlyFishingwithDougStewart.com or by giving him a phone call at 503-666-3454.

The above photo is of Doug Stewart and the photo below is of Roderick Haig-Brown. I think they shopped at the same hat store.

Resources Noted by Doug Stewart

Tying and Fishing Outstanding Flies

The Practical Fly Fisher

Trout by Ray Bergman

Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing by Joseph Bates

Conclusion with Doug Stewart

That was a lot of fun for me. Especially hearing some of the history of how my dad got started and turned fly fishing into a lifetime love and business. Leave a comment below if you had a mentor in your life that helped you along in your journey.

And if you’re interested in the right spey rod for steelhead, Click here to see the Echo Spey Rod that has helped me drastically improve my spey cast and find more steelhead at a super reasonable cost (You also get a free spey line if you pickup the Echo Spey). By the way, the link above is an affiliate link, which means I earn a commission if you do end up purchasing through that link. It’s at no extra cost to you, and please if you have any questions related to this product, please let me know and I’d be happy to answer them for you.

WFS 030 – Anchored with April Vokey | Women in Fly Fishing, Sexism, Steelhead, Conservation, Bulkley River

By Dave -

July 10, 2018

April Vokey shared her take on a bunch of topics around fly fishing including women in fly fishing, the #metoo movement and she shares a big change in her life and business that’s upcoming this year.

April is also the host of the Anchored Podcast, has guided for years and has made a successful business out of fly fishing. I love hearing her stories in this one and some big things upcoming in her world.

Click below to listen to the April Vokey Podcast:

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Show Notes with April Vokey

10:08 – Bob Hooton wrote two big books on steelhead and conservation in BC. Days of Rivers Past is one of the big books.

14:50 – You can find April singing songs on the river. She noted Corinne Bailey Rae as someone she follows now as part of her singing passion. See below to a music video clip.

17:08 – Dave was her first mentor and a guy you helped give April a good start to her fishing journey.

20:38 – I noted the Steve Duda interview from the FlyFish Journal where we discussed women in fly fishing among other things.

21:08 – The Orvis 50 50 Initiative is a topic we talk about as April has an opinion big time on this. Here’s a clip of the commercial that we talk about that April noted we should watch and read the comments.

27:38 – The #metoo movement and April’s take on it.

35:31 – April is the host of Anchored, one of the best podcast on itunes.

37:33 – The World Fishing Network has the rights to one of April’s big TV show series. Here’s the link for the show Shorelines with April Vokey.

39:28 – Haig Brown was a huge influence for April and even went to a point where April walked in Haig’s footsteps on the rivers he fished.

41:08 – The Donald Trump Jr. episode on the Anchored podcast and was the least listened to episode of her show.

41:35 – The Dec Hogan episode was the most listened to episode to date for my show. Here is a link to the show.

42:55 – I talked about episode 28 with Barney Wong where we discussed different sinking rates for spey lines.

45:33 – April recommends Al Buhr’s book for two handed casting.

46:18 – RIO’s Modern Spey Casting as presented my Simon Gawesworth helped many get started.

49:41 – Skagit Master as noted by James Millard in episode 29 was huge helping him and 100’s of others to get started. Here’s a link to the dvd’s.

55:24 – The Lady Caroline is April’s goto steelhead fly. Here’s a pic form Deneki.

1:09:38 – We talk about April’s 60 minutes episode and how great they were to work with.

1:14:56 – Why smart people use poor language. Here’s a random article that talks to this a little bit.

You can reach April at AprilVokey.com or see her podcast Anchored here.

Conservation Podcasts

I just recently interviewed Pete McBride here where we focused on the Grand Canyon and the big conservations issues there. Pete walked 750 miles of the Grand Canyon to raise awareness for development and impacts on the canyon.

Resources mentioned in this Episode

Two-Handed Fly Casting: Spey Casting Techniques by Al Buhr

RIO’s Modern Spey Casting by Simon Gawesworth

Skagit Master Set – Howell, Ward, Mishler

Here’s a link to a Corinne Bailey Ray Song:

April noted Haig Brown as a Big Influence:

http://www.clarion-journal.com/clarion_journal_of_spirit/2014/05/roderick-haig-brown-1908-1976-conservation-preservation-by-ron-dart.html

Conclusion with April Vokey

I think I’m going to have to listen to this one again! From New Zealand, to meditation to her episode on 60 minutes. We pretty much cover it all including a few great steelhead tips and the Orvis 50 50 Movement. Her take might surprise you.

And if you’re interested in the right spey rod for steelhead, Click here to see the Echo Spey Rod that has helped me drastically improve my spey cast and find more steelhead at a super reasonable cost (You also get a free spey line if you pickup the Echo Spey). By the way, the link above is an affiliate link, which means I earn a commission if you do end up purchasing through that link. It’s at no extra cost to you, and please if you have any questions related to this product, please let me know and I’d be happy to answer them for you.

WFS 029 – OPST Pure Skagit Interview with James Millard | Steelhead, Commando Heads, Bugs

By Dave -

July 3, 2018

I had an amazing interview with James Millard, the operations manager for OP Skagit Tactics (aka – Pure Skagit). We get into some great stories about steelhead fishing, products and James’ life getting to work with one of the big names in steelhead.

We talk about the commando head, some new products upcomming, greased line presentation and how jet boat wakes running up the river can help with steelhead fishing.

Click below to listen to the Jason Millard from OPST:

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Show Notes with James Millard:

10:42 – The Skagit Master Series videos helped James get his start.

14:15 – The skinny Hoh fly tying video from OPST

20:06 – Son Tao is a new fly tyer online and is killing it with his skill.

22:00 – Matt Klara was in episode 21 where he covered single hand spey.

23:10 – The commando head is one of the go to skagit lines for single and double hand rods.

32:50 – The greased line presentation vs. the wet fly swing for steelhead.

37:35 – The Complete Steelheader by John Larison has some great information on steelhead distribution and tactics.

39:55 – Tom Larimer was on in episode 11 and discussed fishing a fast swing and bright fly for Deschutes summer steelhead.

40:35 – Scott Baker McGarva was on in episdoe 17 and noted the Tom Larimer big bright fly comment by Tom.

41:40 – A run of any anadromous fish is a bell curve and changes with the fishery as noted by Jay Nicholas who I had on in episode 03.

1:00:00 – Pete Humphries was on episode 7 and talks about how strong the Michigan steelhead are in comparison.

1:04:00 – Skagit Master 4 is one of James favorite videos for steelhead.

1:06:45 – Dean Finnerty was on the show in episode 19 and was the guide who was also an undercover agent.

1:07:50 – Clay Halloway is one of the Halloway Brothers Guide Service on the Willamette and got James’ lady into her first steelhead.

1:11:30 – Here is a link to the Frank Moore episode I put together on the North Umpqua.

1:11:50 – Secret Chronicles of the North Umpqua by Pat McRay is a guy who is blind and still swings for steelhead with his wife.

1:12:30 – The Beulah rod that blew up on James and they had a great warranty.

If you have OPST questions you can email James at info@opskagit.com or james.m@opskagit.com. You can also find James on Instagram @bulltrout37.

“I was Saved and ruined all at the same time”

-John Gierach

Conclusion with James Millard

That was awesome right? So many great stories and tips from James Millard in this episode. James is the operations manager for OPST and brings and obvious wealth of knowledge and perspective from a cool guy.

Enter your email below and I’ll send you the top 3 tips from our new expert guest each Thursday.

And if you’re interested in the right spey rod for steelhead, Click here to see the Spey Rod that has helped me drastically improve my spey cast and find more steelhead at a super reasonable cost (You also get a free spey line if you pickup the Spey Rod here). By the way, the link above is an affiliate link, which means I earn a commission if you do end up purchasing through that link. It’s at no extra cost to you, and please if you have any questions related to this product, please let me know and I’d be happy to answer them for you.

WFS 028 – Good, Bad and Ugly of Spey Lines – Barney Wong, Fly Fishing, Tips, Sandy River, Fly Fish USA, Pimp My Canoe

By Dave -

June 26, 2018

I had Barney Wong on the show to go in depth on spey lines and the challenge of identifying the actual sinking rates. We discussed an experiment we conducted on the river and how the outcome might surprise you.

Barney tells his story of how he dropped everything to move out to the northwest to chase steelhead and a job in a local fly shop.

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Show Notes with Barney Wong

10:54 – RIO’s AFS line and Barney’s experience with the sinking rate. Simon Gawesworth from RIO Products was on the podcast and talked about their spey lines and new products in episode 9.

13:55 – Weight compensated spey lines will help to create all spey lines equal.

15:15 – Experiment on sinking rates of 6 weight vs 10 weight and how they are not created equal.

16:50 – The parachute jumper analogy and how this applies to issues with sinking rate and starving your line.

19:40 – The T series lines are the closest we have to accurate designations for lines.

25:50 – Tim Rawlins episode and the shop that will send you new lines to test at no cost.

27:05 – RIO’s In Touch Scandi line and Barney’s take on how the line weight got pushed to the back to help casting but affects sinking.

27:40 – Rear end centric lines and how you are robbing peter to pay paul.

30:25 – What line Barney gives his students when getting started with the spey cast.

31:25 – The biggest fault that Barney sees with his students and what he saw as one of my main problems as well – Combining parts of the cast is a big issue.

40:00 – Barney explains what Pimp my Canoe is all about.

45:15 – Kevin Feenstra and Pete Humphries were both on the podcast and both from Michigan.

49:05 – Noel Perkins from University of Michigan also had data on spey lines

49:25 – Bruce Richards and the cast analyzer app that measures your cast.

51:35 – The Bantom Green Butt is Barney’s goto. He also finds flies on the trees and uses those patterns.

55:30 – 10 inch fly that mimics Michigan smolts.

57:15 – Dec Hogan clarifies the Intruder and why dumb bell eyes in episode 20.

59:45 – Cracking the code to distance casting and what over the center is all about in the process.

You can reach out to Barney at AWholeNuthaLevel.com.

This is a photo from PimpYourCanoe.com, Barney’s site where he develops products for canoes.

I wanted to give a big thank you to Barney for coming on the show and sharing his spey line wisdom. If you have any questions please send me a message or leave a comment below.

New Fly Tying Webinar Launches the 4th Wednesday of the Month

By Dave -

June 25, 2018

I have a Free fly tying webinar that I am launching and sharing if you are interested in improving your fly tying game. The first webinar will be for those just getting started or brand new to fly tying.

Click on the link below to join the Free Fly Tying Webinar. I’ll cover all of the steps to find materials and tools, provide a bunch of tips throughout and connect you with resources to tie some great flies.

Click here ===>> Free Fly Tying Webinar

I will cover topics like how to find materials, how to decide what to tie, how to keep good proportions of your fly, how to not crowd the eye of the hook and more.

I will provide some tips on dubbing and spinning deer hair along with additional tips on finding groups and other resources to help you to go all in on it.

I have been teaching fly tying since I was a youngster in my father’s fly shop and have since moved this vast experience into an online environment to help you.,

Click the social media icons below and ask me any questions you might have.

Click the button below to listen

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with Davy Wotton

Read the full Transcript of this Podcast Episode

Conclusion with Davey Wotton

Green Rat Material List

Conclusion

Max Canyon Material List

Max Canyon Conclusion

Click below to listen to the Jason Rolfe Podcast:

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with Jason Rolfe:

Conclusion with Jason Rolfe

Click below to listen to the podcast with John Smeraglio

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes for the Salmon Fly Trip

Click below to listen to the Doug Stewart Podcast:

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with Doug Stewart

Resources Noted by Doug Stewart

Conclusion with Doug Stewart

Click below to listen to the April Vokey Podcast:

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with April Vokey

Conservation Podcasts

Resources mentioned in this Episode

Conclusion with April Vokey

Click below to listen to the Jason Millard from OPST:

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with James Millard:

“I was Saved and ruined all at the same time”

-John Gierach

Conclusion with James Millard

Click the Play button below to listen to the episode

Sponsors and Podcast Updates

Show Notes with Barney Wong

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