Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.: Recent Episodes
Ventures Fly Co.
From Ventures Fly Co., Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone is the fly fishing podcast for EVERYONE. Each week we answer questions submitted by you - anglers of all kinds, from all across the world. Whether you're a complete beginner, or a seasoned vet, Untangled is the resource you need to become a better angler. The show is hosted by writer, guide, and bamboo rod builder Spencer Durrant.
There are two main types of fly lines - weight-forward and doube-taper. But what do those words mean? And when would you want to use one versus the other? Today on Untangled, we'll tackle everything to know about the differences between these lines, as well as getting into when and why you might want to use them. We'll also talk about the importance of matching your fly line to your rod, and what makes a fly line "good" or "bad."
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
FLIES - Get the VFC 3-Packs - CHECK THEM OUT
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
This is the first episode of our new Everday Angler series, where we sit down with anglers who are at every stage of the learning curve. Yes, guides, outfitters, and industry experts have a lot to add to the conversation, but how often is their advice actualyl tailored to the situation you're in right now?
And since one of the best ways to learn is by chatting with other anglers in your exact situation, that's what we decided to do. Our first guest is Riley Bayles, an angler from Utah who's been fly fishing for abot 2 years. Alex and I had the chance to fish with Riley this summer, and we were impressed by his approach to the sport and his willingness to learn. Riley has some fantastic insight as someone who's in the thick of figuring it out, and his advice will absolutley help you become a better angler.
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
August can feel like one of the tougher months for fly fishing, and in many ways, it is. BUT - with the right approach, you can still have a great time on the water this month. Depending on where you live, your best option might be fishing early in the morning, or chasing non-trout species. If you have easy access to the high country nearby, this is a great time to go out and explore all the less-visited places where the fishing is still fast and furious.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
FLIES - Get the VFC 3-Packs - CHECK THEM OUT
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
When the air temps warm up, we're not the only ones having a hard time of it. Trout don't react well when the water gets too warm, and knowing both HOW and WHY they act differently in warm water, can be an easy way to ensure you're taking care of the fish we love so much. On today's episode on Untangled, you'll learn why it's important to monitor water temps, when you should stop fishing, and other quick tips you can use to ensure the fish stay happy and healthy for years to come.
You'll also learn about:
- The best method for changing out tippet to match your flies as they change sizes throughout the day
- Tips for spotting your dry flies on the water
- Spencer's thoughts on tippet rings, micro swivels, and yarn strike indicators
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
ARTICLE - Science-Backed Info on Trout And Warm Water - CHECK IT OUT
Golden trout are among the prettiest, rarest, and most sought-after trout in the West. They live in hard-to-reach places, and the ones that grow to enormous sizes seem like they're harder to find than clear pictures of Bigfoot. But putting in the work and effort to look for these fish - even if you strike out - usually results in memories you'll never forget.
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Caddisflies are one of the most abundant aquatic insects on the PLANET! But they're largely misunderstood by anglers - inclulding myself. In fact, I just had an experience on the water that made me realize I've been fishing these flies completely wrong for 20 years!
Don't make the same mistakes I did. Listen to this week's episode and learn all about how caddisflies should be fished, and how this can help you put more trout in the net.
You'll also learn about:
- The differences between headwaters and tailwaters
- Tips for fishing with kids, and getting them interested in fly fishing
- Why trout really eat streamers
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Waders are great and all -- but by the time summer rolls around, they get HOT! They're not all that comfortable to wear, either. So, if you wanna ditch the waders, what's the best way to go?
We prefer using a fully dedicated wet wading setup. You get all the benefits of the stability of wading boots, without the bulk and added heat of waders. Today on Untangled, we'll dish on all the things we love about wet wading, the gear we recommend, and WHY we've made these choices.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Get the FREE Wet Wading Gear Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
Starting out in fly fishing is overwhelming. You're told you've got to master all sorts of techniques and tactics, and the second you open Instagram, or read any online content, you're bombarded with new things to try! It feels like, if you're not at least dipping your toe in everything, you're quickly falling behind as an angler.
Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, that mindset is damaging for new anglers. So in today's episode of Untangled, you're going to learn why this isn't the best way to approach things, and some tips for actually leveling up that don't require new gear, or trips to exotic locations.
You'll also learn about:
- Tips for fishing for grass carp, and carp behavior in general
- Fly selection for carp
- Tips on casting with indicators, split shot, or other heavy rigs
- Tips on tying flies and fishing for stocked trout vs wild trout
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
The largest cutthroat trout ever officially caught was a 41-pounder back in 1925. Rumors persisted of fish in excess of 60 pounds, but like any good fish, those ones got away before they could be weighed...
These giant cutthroat were once thought to be lost forever. By the 1940s, they were gone from the landscape, and our chance to fish for giant, prehistoric fish was basically gone.
But that's where this story really starts, and gets all sorts of interesting. In this episode of Untangled's Fly Fishing Stories, you'll learn all about the world's largest cutthroat trout -- how they evolved, how they vanished, and how they made one of the world's most shocking comebacks.
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Summer is the time for throwing big foam bugs and large droppers, right?
Well, yes - but there are a couple of dry flies that get chronically overlooked by anglers - myself included. So today on Untangled, you're going to learn what these flies are, why you should add them to your box, and tips for getting the most out of them when you tie one on.
You'll also learn about:
- How to adjust your rigs for fishing in lower water
- Tips for getting back into the game with fishing dry flies
- Why some rods roll cast better with heavier lines
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
ARTICLE - Fishing Ants - CHECK IT OUT
Browse 3-Packs and Tying Kits - CHECK THEM OUT
Lake fishing can be intimidating. Where do you cast? What are you looking for that tells you fish will be in one spot versus another? And do you use the same flies you use on rivers and streams?
Well, fishing lakes is A LOT simpler than it appears, and this is actually the best time of year to give it a shot. So today on Untangled, you'll learn four quick tips for getting the most out of your time on stillwater this summer!
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
It's hard to not fall in love with small streams. They're gorgeous, the fish are generally fairly willing to eat, and they're a GREAT place to escape the crowds for a bit. As summer drags on, though, small streams don't always continue to be this fairytale place to fish. The water levels drop, fish get spooky, and you feel like you're back at square one, looking for a solution to this problem. It boils down to understanding where fish move during the summer, what they're looking to eat, and the best times to be out on the water. Today on Untangled, we'll dive into all of that and more, so you can have success on small streams this summer.
You'll also learn about:
- The differences in fly rod weights and what they mean for the flies you can throw
- How a heavier fly rod can be more effective in fighting fish
- Some tips for properly fighting trout to the net
- The things to watch out for that you might be doing to inadvertantly spook fish
- Why you should try different styles of fishing - ONLY if you want to
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
It's hot, windy, dry, and there's a few people out on the water. The biggest hatches of the year are winding down. Mosquitoes have made their unfortunate return. Despite all this, fishing in July can be just as rewarding as a nice hot plate of fresh wings. You just need to be prepared with the knowledge of what bugs are out, and what the fish are doing, so you can take advantage of the fact that trout still gotta eat! Today on Untangled, we'll look at what to expect in July, and give you the tools you need to go out and have an epic day on the water!
Recommended Flies:
- Elk Hair Caddis, size 14-18
- Half-Baked Caddis, size 16
- Foam Caddis, size 14-18
- CDA Caddis, size 16-18
- Parachute PMD, size 14
- Parachute Adams, sizes 14-20
- Hare's Ear, sizes 14-18
- Frenchie, sizes 14-16
- Pheasant Tail, sizes 14-16
- Sparkle Dun, size 16-18
- RS2, sizes 16-20
- Griffiths Gnat, sizes 18-22
- Zebra Midge, sizes 14-18
- Scud Muffin, sizes 16-18
- Demon Midge, sizes 16-18
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Wet Wading Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Browse 3-Packs and Tying Kits - CHECK THEM OUT
VIDEO - Completing The Trout Super Grand Slam - CHECK IT OUT
What makes a day on the water great? Is it really all about how many fish you caught? I mean, I know we're going fishing to catch fish, but is that ALL a day on the water is about? I think a lot of anglers would say no, they appreciate the solitude, the quiet, the beauty, the challenge. But at the end of the day, if you walk back to your truck and you got skunked, you feel like you failed, right? Or at the very least, that you got beat.
I'm not here to say that catching fish doesn't matter, and I'm certainly not telling you what to do. I just want to ask one question:
Is the number of fish you catch the best way to measure your success on the water? Or is there more to it?
That's what we'll discuss on today's episode of Untangled.
You'll also learn about:
- How to dial in the right depth for your nymph rig
- How to estimate the depth of a river while setting up a nymph rig
- Where to put split shot on your rig
- Why you're consistently hooking bottom and how to avoid it
- The merits of barbless hooks
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Nymphs are supposed to be heavy and sink straight to the bottom, where the fish spend most of their time - right? Yes, that's what MOST nymphs are designed to do. But some are tied without any weight at all, and they're great for using when the fish are a bit picky, feeding during a heavy hatch, or you just want to switch up how you're approaching the water.
Today on Untangled, you'll learn all about the merits of weightless nymphs, and why they're a style of fly you should consider having in your box.
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Finding good wading gear that works for your stlye of fishing, AND that's within your budget, feels almost impossible sometimes. It's tough to know what exactly you need from your waders and boots.
Well, Spencer has spent the past decade reviewing gear for fly fishing magazines, and he's been fly fishing for over 20 years. Today on Untangled, he's going to share the particular features he looks for in waders and boots, and how you can use that knowledge to find the PERFECT set of wading gear for you.
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 Wader Buying Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Wading Boot Buying Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Skwala Gear We Recommend - BOOTS & WADERS
You never expect a trip to nosedive, especially when you've planned it for the better part of a year, you're traveling across a few states to get there, and you're going with two of your best friends. As the old saying goes, though, no plan survives first contact with the enemy. In our case, we just didn't understand that we even had an enemy, or how far south things could actually go.
This is the story of the trip we all have at some point, but few of us ever remember fondly.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
Do you have a fly box that's full of go-to patterns for your local creek? And maybe another one that's stuffed with all the right flies for the tailwater you visit a few times a year?
And let's be honest for a sec — when's the last time you used EVERY fly in those boxes? How many of those patterns are there mostly for emotional support? Or do they just weigh down your pack and make it hard to find the pattern you're looking for?
I think the secret to a good fly box isn't variety of patterns. Instead, it's about hitting every life cycle stage of the major insects — midges, mayflies, caddis, and stoneflies. A few imitations of each are all I often reach for in about 90% of trout fishing situations.
So today on Untangled, I'll share more about this approach to picking flies and stocking your box, so you can hit the water without hauling an entire fly shop along with you.
You'll also learn about:
- The wet wading gear we recommend
- Why some flies work better in some places than other flies do
- The importance of caddisflies for trout around the globe
- Some tips on improving your dry fly presentation
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Wet Wading Guide - CHECK IT OUT
PODCAST - The 10 Flies You Need For Trout - CHECK IT OUT
VIDEO - The Guide to Wet Wading - CHECK IT OUT
Have you ever heard someone say something like "Oh, the flows on the river are good today, that means the fishing will be great!" And you're a bit too embarrassed to ask why flows matter? Maybe you've even heard the phrase "CFS" thrown around too?
Well, high and low water flows have different impacts on how the fishing is. Too high, and it's tough, or impossible, to fish. Too low, and the water's too warm for trout. Learning how to read flow charts, though, gives you the power to hit the water at just the right time.
So today on Untangled, I'll explain exactly what river flows and CFS means, how it impacts fishing, and how you can use it to pick the best place to spend your day 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
The biggest lie in fly fishing is that there's an exactly-perfect, foolproof, never-fail method to fish every piece of water, and that if you study or learn enough, you'll never get skunked.
Here's the truth -- great anglers still get skunked, or at the very least, have TOUGH days on the water. But one skill they've mastered? The ability to sift through the advice that's out there, and learn how to apply it to their unique situations.
On today's episode of Untangled, that's exactly what you'll learn. You'll get advice on how to implement fly fishing advice so you actually see results on the water.
You'll also learn about:
- Whether mink eat trout, and how much impact mink predation can have on trout populations
- The knot we prefer to use for 99% of fishing here at VFC
- Why the knot you use DOESN'T really matter
- How to pick flies to use based on where you're going fishing
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
GEAR - Ultimate Fly Collection from VFC - CHECK IT OUT
RESOURCE - The Study on Mink Predation - CHECK IT OUT
June usually means high water, big bugs, happy fish, and the first days that are warm enough to think about wet wading. June's also the first month when some of the high country starts opening up, which means your favorite small streams and ponds are just a hike away.
The most challenging thing about June fishing, though, is navigating the high water and finding the fish. Once you know what to look for, though, you can have some fantastic days out there.
So, today on Untangled, we'll take a look at all the key info you need to know to have great days on the water this June.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
FLIES - Get the 3-Packs From VFC - CHECK THEM OUT
Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
FLIES TO USE IN JUNE
- Parachute Adams, sizes 10-18
- Parachute PMD, size 14
- Green Drakes, size 10
- Trusty Rusty, size 12
- Last Chance Cripple, sizes 12-16
- Sparkle Dun, sizes 16-20
- Frenchie, sizes 14-18
- Crackback, sizes 14-18
- Elk Hair Caddis, sizes 14-18
- Puff Caddis, size 14
- Half-baked caddis, sizes 14-18
- Hare's Ear, sizes 14-18
- CDA Caddis, size 14
- Stimulator, sizes 12-14
- Yellow Sally, size 14
- Prince Nymph, sizes 12-16
- CDC Pheasant Tail, sizes 12-16
- Pat's Rubberlegs, sizes 10-12
- Royal Flush, size 12
- Golden Stone nymph, sizes 12-14
- Sow Bugs, sizes 14-18
- Zebra Midges, sizes 14-18
- Demon Midge, sizes 16-18
- Perdigons, size 14-16
How many flies do you have in your box right now? A few dozen? A few hundred? More than a thousand? Yeah, it's great to have a lot of flies on hand - but that many choices makes it easy to overthink your fly selection. That can lead to you switching flies too often, when the real reason you're not catching fish has to do with your presentation. So, today on Untangled, you'll learn a bit more about why it's a good idea to pare down your fly selection, and the 10 fly patterns you could catch 90% of trout with.
You'll also learn about:
- How long flies should last before they fall apart
- Whether you should focus on fishing other types of flies (nymphs and streamers) during a hatch
- How to fish deep on a lake without sinking fly line
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
What's keeping you from having consistent, repeatable success on the water? From fishing with the same sort of confidence you see guides approach it with, or anglers who've been fishing for decades. Is it really just time and honing a bunch of technical skills, like casting, or fly selection?
That stuff helps. But the best anglers I know — the ones I say I wanna be like when I grow up — aren't necessarily the best casters, and NONE of them can tell you the latin name of every bug on the water.
What they all have in common is simple — they're incredible at watching the water, and using what they see to inform how they tackle any given situation. More than anything, this is the skill that separates good from great anglers.
Today on Untangled, I'll walk you through why this is so important, and how mastering the art of watching and waiting will make you a noticeably more successful angler.
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Trout aren't the only fish to catch on a fly rod. From bass and pike to panfish and tarpon, there's almost no end to the critters you can catch with this style of fly fishing. Doing something so different from what you're used to, though, will definitely throw you for a loop - just like it did to Alex and Spencer. They just went on a trip to Florida for some bass fishing, and got some time in on the salt as well. What they learned made them realize just how much there is about fly fishing they don't know. And perhaps most surprising were all the lessons they observed that can help you be a better angler, no matter what you fish for.
You'll also learn about:
- Tips for targeting bass on the fly
- How to cast streamers with sink-tip lines
- How to fish high, dirty water that you often get in runoff season
- Whether you should add floatant to cripples
- How flow rates and water temperatures impact fish behavior
- The aspect to change first when trying to match the hatch: size, shape, or color
- Whether fish see the blue light spectrum, and the impact that has on fly choice
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
You hear stories about some fisheries that are supposed to be excellent. Since you don't want to miss out on great fishing, and you figure that many people who talk up a spot can't be wrong about it, you plan a day to go see it.
Then you make the trip there — whether it's a long drive, a hike, or both — and you can't quite figure out what all the fuss was for. Either you get skunked, you don't see many fish, or the fish you DO see feel impossible to catch.
Well, maybe that was just a bad day. Every fishery has 'em. So the next time you go, you go with a friend who's fished it before, and he pulls out a pair of 24-inch fish, while you're left picking your flies out of trees and wondering why you gave up a Saturday of good college football for this.
Spots like this tend to stick under your skin, to stay with you until you either figure them out, or the memory fades enough that you can quietly shuffle it into the bin of character-building experiences you don't want to go through again.
There's one lake like this that I've fished for the better part of two decades, and against all my better judgement, I'm itching to go back this summer. It feels like unfinished business, but if I'm being honest, it's probably more about wounded pride.
Still — there's a lot to learn from places like this. I bet you'll pick up a few of the lessons far quicker than I did.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
GEAR - Shop the VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT
What information do you ACTUALLY need to know if you're getting started in fly fishing? What's going to help you improve, and what's just going to add to the noise?
Well, there are a lot of opinions on this topic. This week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant shares the 5 things he wishes he knew when he started fly fishing, A LONG time ago.
You'll also learn about:
- Why and when you need to fish really small flies
- Why you should focus more on presentation than fly selection
- What wet flies are and how they're used
- Some tips on fishing streamers in runoff
- Why you shouldn't overthink technique
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 Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
PODCAST - Wet Flies Explained - WATCH IT NOW
When the wind picks up and you suddenly can't land your flies right where you want them anymore, what do you do? If you're anything like me, you probably make a few classic mistakes that are actively harming your ability to fly cast in the wind. Today on Untangled, you'll learn about the 3 big mistakes to avoid, and the things you should do instead, to battle the wind when it inevitably shows up.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
GEAR - Shop the VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT
I used to HATE fishing with nymphs. What bugged me the most was dealing with split shot - taking it off, or putting it on my rig. You've gotta get those tiny slits in the shot lined up with your tippet, then crimp it down, and NOT drop it all in the river. It's not fun to cast with, either.
The biggest problem is how much split shot actually effects your ability to feel what your flies are doing, and how they're drifting. By ditching split shot, you gain a TON of feedback and control over your rig. That means more fish in the net. Today on Untangled, you'll learn how to get your flies down deep without split shot, and why it's actively harming your nymphing game.
You'll also learn about:
- Why you should put your own spin on fly patterns, if you tie your own flies
- Why a 6-weight rod is ideal for sink-tip lines and streamers
- How to spot the bugs when fish are rising, so you can accurately match the hatch
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 Pocket Nymphing Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Get your dry fly rod ready, because May means some of the best hatches you'll see all year! In this month's fly fishing report, you'll leran all about the bugs that will hatch in May, the flies we recommend for imitating them, and a couple of pro tips for making the most of fishing before runoff hits.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
GEAR - Shop the VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT
Recommended Fly Patterns
- Parachute Adams
- Parachute Purple Haze
- Blue Dun, Green Drake
- Parachute Trusty Rusty
- Parachute PMD
- Parachute BWO
- Sparkle Dun
- Klinkhammer
- Last Chance Cripple
- Hare's Ear
- Frenchies
- Gunslinger
- Crackback
- Puff caddis
- Elk hair caddis
- Missing link
- Foam caddis
- Pheasant tail
- CDA caddis
- Peeping caddis
- Griffiths Gnat
- Matt's Midge
- Zebra Midge
- WD40
- Demon Midges
- Royal Flush
- Golden Stone
- 20-incher stone
- Pat's Rubberlegs
The caddis hatch sometimes get overlooked in all our excitement over mayflies and stoneflies, especially early in the season.
But caddis hatches stay consistent throughout the summer, and they only become more important for trout as the season stretches on. Plus, the first big caddis hatch of the year can be an absolute blast if you hit it right.
This week on Untangled, we'll take a detailed look at the caddis hatch: when these bugs start getting active, their lifecycle and behavior, and the flies we recommend for a successful day 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
Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Shop The VFC 3-Packs - CHECK THEM OUT
If you really want to grow as an angler, sometimes that means you'll need to make some hard choices. You'll need to push yourself to try stuff you may not want to, or you'll have to find a way to power through the days on the water that, frankly, make you want to give up. On the other side of those hard times is the great fishing we always hear stories about. And in today's episode of Fly Fishing Stories, Spencer Durrant shares the tale of the day when he did just that - pushed through the bad weather and questionable conditions, and came out on the other side with an unforgettable day.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
Ice-off is a magical time: it's when some of the biggest trout in any body of water come within easy casting distance of shore. That means it's one of the best times of year for you to tie into what could be your new personal best trout on a fly rod! So, to take advantage of this great fishing, this week's episode of Untangled is a deep-dive into all things ice-off fly fishing: why it's so productive, tactics to find and hook fish, as well as advice on gear and flies.
You'll also learn about:
- How to find new places to fly fish
- The value of fishing water that gets a lot of pressure
- How and why the tips we talk about on Untangled apply to other regions of the country, not just the Rockies
- The best use cases for a 7wt rod
- How to effectively fish nymphs in lakes and rivers
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 Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Alright, let's be honest for a sec — how often do you feel like you're catching fish more out of luck than skill?
I remember feeling that way all the time when I started fly fishing. Honestly, that feeling didn't stop until I learned this one valuable lesson: if you pay attention to WHERE you catch fish, and not just what fly they ate, finding and catching fish really starts to click. It feels like something you're doing more on purpose, and less by good luck.
Today on Untangled, I'll explain why paying attention to WHERE you catch fish is so important, and how it can help you have more predictable, repeatable success on the water.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE VFC Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
How much does the pattern you pick matter for your success on the water? Is there an EXACT PERFECT FLY that'll work amazing in one situation, and if you don't pick it, you won't have as much success as you could've?
Probably. But here's the thing - fly selection doesn't really matter that much. HOW you present that fly is what makes the most difference. To put this theory to the test, we spent an entire day fishing for four different trout species (browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and brookies) but we could only use 2 flies the whole day. No changing sizes, colors, or anything like that. We were locked in to the patterns we picked that morning.
What we learned was just how much presentation matters to your success on the water. Today, Alex Stulce and Spencer Durrantn share the lessons they learned from this challenge, and how it can help you succeed on the water as well.
You'll also learn about:
- Oversizing and undersizing the line on your fly reel
- How many state annual licenses Spencer and Alex have
- The one fly in Spencer and Alex's boxes that they consistently underutilize
- Some tips for teaching new anglers so they can find success on the water
- How to spot rising trout without spooking them
- How long Spencer and Alex like to fish certain stretches of river before moving on
- The merits of various knots
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
VIDEO - Watch the Grand Slam How We Fish - CHECK IT OUT
Have you ever fished in a hatch that feels like the stories we hear, usually from the old-timers, about the days when fish ate from a never-ending buffet of bugs? Where, if you're in the right place at the right time, you can catch fish until your arms fall off?
I've had that opportunity once - and this is the story of the greatest mayfly hatch I've ever seen.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
There's about a million different ways to rig up a nymph rig. From indicators and drop-shot styles, to tight-lining it, or throwing a dry-dropper, how do you know which method is the best?
Well, that depends on your situation, BUT - indicator nymphing is BY FAR the most versatile way to put flies in front of fish, and make them look real. So, today on Untangled, we're looking at the pros and cons of this style of fishing, and how you can better utilize it to help you put more fish in the net.
You'll also learn about:
- Recommended rod & reel combos for fly fishing on lakes and ponds
- How to pack and travel with your fly fishing gear on an airplane
- Different setup options for fishing streamers
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 Nymphing Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Say you're shopping for a new fly rod. You've probably heard them all described in different ways, but one common phrase you've seen is "this rod's action is fast" or "this has a sweet, soft action."
What the heck does action mean? And how does it impact the way a rod performs on the water?
Well, it's pretty simple! So in this Tip of the Week, we're breaking down what fly rod action is, how it impacts a rod's performance on the water, and how you can use this information to pick the right rod for any fly fishing job you might run into.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
What's the real reason fish aren't eating your fly? Is it beause you didn't pick the PERFECT fly? There's a better one in your box, so you oughta spend 10-15 minutes looking for it, right?
No. Not very often will that be the case. Instead, you're most likely not catching fish becasue your fly doesn't look real. Remember, your job is to put flies in front of fish, and make them look real! So today on Untangled, we're taking a deep dive into why presentation matters so much, and some simple tips to improve just how much your fake fly looks like the real thing.
You'll also learn about:
- Why we don't often talk about fishing wet flies and soft hackles here at VFC
- How to match the right leader size to the right fly size
- Why it's important to play fish quickly and minimize your handling time
- Tips for catching brood-stock trout that have been dumped into community ponds
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 Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT
The best blue-winged olive hatches of the year are right around the corner! And by the end of the month, you might see some Mother's Day caddis out and about as well!
What this means is that you need to be prepared for the great spring fly fishing that April offers. With Untangled's April Fly Fishing Report, you'll be ready with all the knowledge about the hatches to expect, fly patterns we recommend, and tips and tricks for tackling the tricky weather and conditions this time of year.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT
GEAR - Shop the VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT
VIDEO - Watch How We Fish in Spring - CHECK IT OUT
RECOMMENDED FLIES FOR APRIL
- Parachute Adams 16-20
- BWO 16-20
- Matt's Midge 18-24
- Griffiths Gnat 18-24
- Sparkle Dun 16-18
- RS2 16-18
- WD40 16-18
- Last Chance Cripple 16-18
- Zebra Midge 16-20
- Pheasant Tail 16-20
- Hare's Ear 16-20
- Fenchie 16-20
- Gunslinger 16-20
- Crackback 16-20
- Micro May 16-20
- Demon Midge 16-20
- Elk Hair Caddis 12-16
- CDA Caddis 16-18
In this special episode of Untangled, Spencer and Alex are joined by Ryan Kelly, longtime guide on Utah's Green River, and one of the best fly fishing photographers currently working. You might know Ryan from Instagram (@GreenRiverFlyFisher) and you've probably seen his shots of fish rising to eat dry flies. Today, Ryan shares all that he's learned from a decade of watching fish eat through a camera's lens (as well as his two decades of guiding experience) to help you understand what trout are ACTUALLY doing during a hatch.
Why do they ignore flies? Why do they get leader shy? Why do so many anglers have trouble catching picky fish eating dry flies? Those, and many more questions, are answered in this show.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
When do you ACTUALLY need tippet smaller than 4x? And if you need to size your tippet down, what's the best way to do it? In this Tip of the Week, you'll learn all about why we use certain sizes of tippet, why it's important to play fish quickly, AND you'll learn all about the different situations and tactics for sizing down your leader to get picky fish to FINALLY eat your fly.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
There's more to small dry flies than just the bugs ON the surface. There are also other types of insects fish eat that sit just in the surface film, or even slightly below it. These bugs are called emergers, and they're still fished just like you would with a dry fly. But there's a few things to know about how, when, and where to use these flies that'll help you really get the most out of them. So, today on Untangled, you're getting a crash course in everything you need to know about emergers!
You'll also learn about:
- How to size new waders and boots when buying them
- Some tips on how to find waders and boots that are worth spending your money on
- How to pick a new fly rod in a weight other than 5-weight
- The lines and reels Spencer uses for streamer fishing
- Spencer's recommendations for fly flines for those looking to start fishing streamers
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT
Browse the VFC 3-Packs and stock up on Emergers! - CHECK THEM OUT
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
When a trip goes pear-shaped right from the start, what do you do? Do you pack up early, head home, and get back to work? Or is it worth pushing through high water, iced-over lakes, muddy roads, and enormous distances just for the hope of finding water that might be fishable?
In this latest Fly Fishing Story, Spencer Durrant takes you on a journey across the Pacific Northwest as he and his friend Ryan McCullough try to find fishable water during spring runoff. What they ended up finding just might surprise you.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
It sure would be awesome if fish always ate a big ol' grasshopper! But they spend A TON of time eating small flies. In particular, they'll eat tiny dry flies a lot during spring and fall. So, how do you take advantage of the big fish that you see rising to eat what looks like tiny specks out there on the water?
Well, a lot of anglers mistakenly write off using tiny flies, because they seem like they're too much work. You need angel-hair thin tippet to tie them on, you need a magnifying glass to find them in your box, and you have next to no hope of seeing them while they float, right? They've gotta be more trouble than they're worth?
Well, not really. Once you understand how to fish small dry flies, you open up a new world of fish you can catch — including some giants.
So, in this first part of a two-part episode, we're taking a deep dive into fishing small dry flies. You'll learn how to rig them up, how to pick the right one, and other tricks of the trade to make these microscopic hooks work in your favor.
You'll also learn about:
- Why you should upgrade your fly rod when you can, and what features to look for
- How to tell if you have a good, drag-free drift on nymphs when fishing directly upstream
- Why fish refuse dry flies that are too large for what's currently hatching
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT
Browse the VFC 3-Packs and stock up on Cripples! - CHECK THEM OUT
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
Have you ever been in an amazing hatch, with bugs going off EVERYWHERE and fish eating with reckless abandon, only to leave the river empty-handed? The fish didn't just not eat your flies, they flat-out IGNORED you. What's up with that? Aren't these hatches supposed to be the stuff of legend that fly fishing is all about?
Well, yes, they are. But if the hatch is TOO good (too many flies on the water at once) it's tough for your fake one to stand out. If the fish can't see it, how are they supposed to eat it?
That's where this little cheat code comes in: it's called unmatching the hatch, and it can be the difference between putting fish in the net, and going home skunked.
Today on Untangled, you'll learn all about unmatching the hatch, including when and how to use this tactic as dry fly season gets underway.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT
Picking the right fly is one of those things in fly fishing that's made out to be A LOT harder than it actually is. You don't need a degree in entomology, you don't need to have every aquatic insect memorized, and you certainly don't need to be some sort of expert to pick the best fly for a given fishing situation. Instead, you just need to rely on two simple tips that'll help you move forward in your fly selection process, even while you continue to learn more about what fish eat.
In this week's show, you'll also learn about:
- How to join in on VFC's live events, including our Tying Nights
- How to fish rivers that see a ton of pressure
- Where to find fish during winter, and why they're often in that type of water
- The biggest stumbling block Spencer sees most anglers struggling with
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 Right Fly Ebook Here - CHECK IT OUT
VIDEO - The FREE Fly Selection Master Class - CHECK IT OUT
What bugs are hatching this month? What flies should you have in your box? And what can you expect from the weather? You'll get the complete rundown of what to expect from March fly fishing in this monthly fly fishing report from Untangled. With detailed descriptions of upcoming hatches, fly patterns you should tie or buy, and a few pro tips on ways to catch more fish this month, this is a can't-miss episode of Untangled.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT
GEAR - Shop the VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT
Winter is almost over (if it ever started where you live) which means that spring dry fly fishing is right around the corner! Some of the best fishing you'll have all year long ain't that far off. That means RIGHT NOW is a great time to prep for these hatches, which is the goal of today's episode. You're going to learn all about the timing of spring hatches (including Hendricksons, Quill Gordons, Blue-Winged Olives, and Skwalas), as well as the principles behind rigging your flies, so you can successfully fish any hatch you run into this spring.
You'll also learn about:
- Why small flies seems to be recommended so much in the fly fishing world these days
- The best way to approach other anglers on the river when you want to chat with them
- Tips on how to make your flies more visible in 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
GEAR - VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT
Is there a right and wrong way to organize your fly boxes? If you put your flies in a specific order, will it give you a tactical advantage on the water?
Not really. BUT - it can help you find the right fly you need, when you need it. The trick is to not overthink your fly box organization, and to keep it simple. In this episode of Untangled, you'll learn how Spencer organizes his boxes, along with the princples he uses, so you can apply them to your own situation.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
GEAR - Browse the VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT
We spend A TON of time talking about the right flies to use during winter, and for good reason. Flies matter a lot. But you know what makes an even bigger difference? HOW you present that fly! Presentation matters almost more than fly selection sometimes!
So, today on Untangled, we're going to tell you about a recent trip we took, the rigs we used, and HOW those rigs made a difference for us on the water.
You'll also learn about:
- How to rig up and fish streamers
- Whether a 9' 6-weight is better for nymphing than a 9' 5-weight
- How to tie knots that don't break
- Whether you can, or should, jump tippet sizes when building new rigs
- How to get better at nymphing
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
How much of an influence has your home water had on your life as an angler? Has it shaped how you approach the water? The kind of fly fishing you love the most? What else has it taught you that you still remember, all these years later?
In the second episode of the Fly Fishing Stories series here at Untangled, Spencer Durrant weaves multiple stories of growing up on his home river, and how it shaped the angler he is today.
How often do you set up your nymph rig, ready to hit the water, only to realize that your flies are moving WAY faster than you wanted. You didn't think the water would be that fast, or that deep!
The fix is simple, right? Just put on some split shot, increase the distance between your bobber and your flies, and you'll be in business.
Well, that all depends on how much split shot you use, how fast the water's moving, and how heavy your flies are. Too much split shot, and you'll be losing your flies - and all your patience - in every snag.
So, today on Untangled, you'll learn the foundational principles, and our favorite rig, for nymphign faster water WITHOUT losing flies!
You'll also learn about:
- How to know what flies to use throughout an entire day on the water
- The rigs Spencer uses and recommends for fly fishing in lakes
- How to effectively fish a streamer on a 5-weight instead of a 6-weight
- How to set the right depth to keep your nymphs in the strike zone
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
Bounce Rig Diagram - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Pocket Nymphing Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT
How much time do you spend worrying about your fly choice when you're setting up your nymph rig? If you're like most anglers, it's probably A LOT! But how much time and energy do you put into making sure your flies are drifitng at the right depth, before making a fly change? Probably not as much as you should.
Today on Untangled, you'll learn about why depth matters more than fly choice when throwing nymphs, and how this tiny change can elevate your fly fishing game to new heights.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Get the FREE Pocket Nymphing Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
Fly rods are really important -- they're what we use to put flies in front of fish, and they help us make those flies look real, after all. But how much do you REALLY know about fly rods? Can you explain what the core features are that separate good ones from not-so-great ones? Today on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through the key features he's found most anglers either don't know about, or misunderstand, and why they influence how your fly rod performs.
You'll also learn about:
- How to learn about the different aquatic insects that trout eat
- How to build confidence in your skills out on the water
- Tips for casting more effectively when throwing an indicator and nymphs or streamers on your fly rod
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Watch the Fly Selection Master Class - CHECK IT OUT
How to Roll Cast and Water Load - CHECK IT OUT
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
It's February! That means things are changing a bit on the fly fishing front, and we've got you covered. With this month's Untangled Fly Fishing Report, you'll learn about what bugs are most active in February, the best flies to match those hatches, and some tips and tricks for the different conditions you'll run into this time of year.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT
Browse VFC's February Flies - CHECK THEM OUT
Have you ever wondered just how effective fly fishing from a drift boat is? Are float trips worth the money? Do you ACTUALLY catch more fish from a boat, or do you only catch them in front of wading anglers who rarely, if ever, get to float the river?
All those questions - and more - will be answered on this episode of Untangled. Alex Stulce joins Spencer Durrant to talk about the pros and cons of wade fishing vs fishing from a boat, and a bunch of stories are shared just for good measure. You'll end the show with a firm idea of what style of fishing best matches your goals out on the water.
You'll also learn about:
- How light and temperature impact fish
- How Spencer and Alex would rig up for and fish a small pond with off-color water
- How to fly fish rivers with restrictions on your tackle
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
VIDEO - How We Fish: Nymphing - CHECK IT OUT
Do you need to tie picture-perfect flies in order to catch fish? Or should you focus on tying them to be a bit "buggy" (which is fly-fisher for "messy)?
Today on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through why most fly tiers are too hard on themselves - especially beginners - and the few things fish actually care about when deciding to eat your fly.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
Is fly tying worth the cost and the hassle? Sure, you can tie up specific, custom flies, but wouldn't it just be cheaper to buy flies instead? Well, maybe, but we shouldn't really worry about economics here, because if fly fishing were based on good financial decisions, none of us would be doing it.
Instead, you shoudl think about the on-the-water benefits you'll get from tying your own flies. You WILL become a better angler by tying. The question utlimately comes down to how much you want to improve. This week on Untangled, you'll learn how and why fly tying can improve your skills.
You'll also learn about:
- How to tell if a new fly rod is the right one for you
- The different characertistics to look for when buying fly rods
- The value of swinging flies at the end of your drift, and the role soft hackles have in fly fishing
- Why Spencer never uses split shot on dry-dropper rigs, and avoids it as much as possible anywhere else
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Browse the VFC Tying Packs - CHECK THEM OUT
VIDEO - Beginner Fly Tying Masterclass - WATCH IT NOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
There's one thing that brings anglers of every stripe together - a good fish story. This is the first in a new series of podcasts from Untangled that'll tell stories every angler, from the saltwater fanatic to the panfish lover, will relate with and appreciate.
This week's story is about a little cutthroat creek, tucked high in the mountains, that suddenly vanished. Along the way, you'll learn about the area's storied history with fish stocking, hear about a cutthroat eating a mouse fly, and why it's worth it to explore and look for new-to-you fisheries.
Midges are a go-to fly in the winter, but how do you know which of the 8 billion midge patterns to pick? There's so many to choose from, and it feels like they're always dropping new ones, too!
Well, I took the time to simplify my own midge selection down to just a handful of patterns. Doing that helped me fish what I rig up with more confidently, but it also made choosing a fly A LOT eaiser. I spend less time worrying about my fly choice, and more time fishing. So, this week on Untangled, you'll learn what those 7 midges patterns are, and why they're the ones I so highly recommend.
You'll also learn about:
- How to control your hookset so you don't end up tangled in trees and bushes
- How to set the hook properly so you lose fewer fish
- The basic skills a fly angler needs to learn in order to progress quickly
- The one skill every fly angler needs to posses
- How to tell if small rivers and streams have fish in them
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Browse Our Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
VIDEO - How to Cast A Fly Rod - WATCH IT NOW
VIDEO - How to Make A Roll Cast - WATCH IT NOW
If you want to make 2026 the year you take some giant leaps in your fly fishing abilities, then you should seriously consider keeping a fly fishing journal. Writing down what happens on the water, what flies you used, the weather, the water conditions -- it will all help you understand the interplay between various factors on the water, and it'll help you learn from both your successes and your failures. Today on Untangled, Spencer will walk you through the key details to write down, and how you can use this simple tool to help improve your experience on the water.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join our FREE Fly Fishing Group - CHECK IT OUT
There's more to trout fishing than rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and brookies. There's all sorts of interesting trout out there, just waiting for you! But when you get the chance to fish for these lesser-known trout, you'll probably get hung up on one thing: what flies do you need? Are there top-secret patterns that only work for these fish, but locals won't tell you about unless you buy 'em the right 12-pack? This week on Untangled, you'll learn about some of the rare trout species on the planet, and the flies we use to catch them.
You'll also learn about:
- Pros and cons of having multiple reels and spools with different line options on them
- Why your fly line sometimes gets stuck in your rod guides, and how to fix that with the nail knot
- Does hook gap size matter when fishing with streamers?
- Why you should let your streamers "die" when they initially get tagged by a trout
- What a short-strike is
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
This is the first-ever bonus episode of Untangled! Starting in 2026, we're dropping two episodes of your favorite fly fishing podcast every week! And this first episode is a new format we'd love some feedback on. At the start of each month, we're going to do a monthly fly fishing report. You'll learn what bugs are active, how to fish that month, tips and tricks for dealing with water conditions, and the fly patterns we recommend.
Not every episode of our extra show will follow this format. Some weeks will be interviews, others will be deep-dives into one topic, and others will be story-driven. But we'd like the first episode each month to be full of actionable information that'll help y'all out on the water. So if you like this format, and want to hear more of it, please let us know!
Finally -- this bonus episode of Untangled is ONLY available in audio format. You won't find this content on YouTube, Instagram, or any other social media.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT
Browse our 3-Pack Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT
Every angler loves a good fishing story, even if we tend to stretch the truth sometimes. But those stories are good for more than just reliving old times. You can learn A TON from your best catches, including exactly where and how you can improve. So, this week on Untangled, Spencer shares some stories (from VFC team and Skool members) about the best fish of 2025, and the lessons learned along the way.
You'll also hear about:
- How to tell if you're setting the hook too early or too late
- How to improve your hook set to lose fewer fish
- Why super-cheap fly rod combos generally aren't worth the money
- How to think about sneaking up on fish
- How much casting angles matter to your success
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
Have you ever had one of those days on the water where nothing seems to go right? You can't tie a decent knot, you lose all your flies, and you end up not catching fish? When it gets rough like that, what do you blame? Nature? Yourself?
Your answer to that quesiton likely exposes the kind of angler you are, and can help you learn how to become an even better one. This week on Untangled, Spencer shares stories and tips about the times his ego has gotten in the way of catching fish, and how you can avoid that same problem.
You'll also learn about:
- Why certain fly lines perform better on some rods than others
- The reality of being a fly fishing guide
- How to fish narrow, deep pools in tight canyons
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 - CHECK IT OUT
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
GET THE RIGHT FLY EBOOK HERE!
SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR THE SHOW HERE!
SUBMIT YOUR #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT HERE!
JOIN THE #TEAMVFC GROUP HERE!
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
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
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
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 - COMING SOON on Youtube!
PICTURE - Micah's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT
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
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
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
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
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
SUBMIT A QUESTION HERE!
SUBMIT YOUR #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT HERE!
FREE EBOOK -- How to Pick The Right Fly for Every Fishing Situation
PRODUCT -- Buy Tippet from VFC Here
VIDEO -- Water Types from the Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass
Stephan's trout he caught after taking a swim
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
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
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
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
Submit a question for the show here!
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
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!
VIDEO - How to Pick The Right Fly
PODCAST - How to Pick The Right Fly
EBOOK - Picking the Right Fly for Any Fishing Situation
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
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
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!
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
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
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
VIDEO - Untangled Ep. 45: How to Fly Fish on Lakes
VIDEO - Untangled Ep. 15: Why You NEED Sunglasses
VIDEO - How to Fly Fish Pools
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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!
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!
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
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
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?
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!
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!
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In this episode, Spencer Durrant sits down with VFC Co-Founder Alex Stucle 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
In this episode, host Spencer Durrant discusses the most important skill that every angler neds 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.
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
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.
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
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
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!
Submit a question for the podcast: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
Congrats to our Mega Kit winner Trent Nielson, 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/
Submit a question and be entered to win a Fly Tying Mega Kit! Winner announced 5/3/23! https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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/
Submit a question for the podcast and be entered to win a FREE Fly Tying MEGA Kit! https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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
Submit a question for the podcast: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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
Submit a question for the podcast: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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
Submit a question for the podcast here: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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?
Submit a question for the podcast here: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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/
Submit a question for the podcast here: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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/
Submit a question for the podcast here: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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
Submit a quetsion for the podcast here: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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
Submit a question for the podcast: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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
Submit a question: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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
Submit a question for the podcast: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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
Submit a question for the podcast: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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/
Submit a question for the podcast here: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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
Submit a question to the podcast: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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
Submit a question for the podcast here: https://vfccontent.survey.fm/podcast-questions
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/
Submit a question for the podcast here: https://blog.venturesflyco.com/podcast-questionaire/
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
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://blog.venturesflyco.com/podcast-questionaire/
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/
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://blog.venturesflyco.com/podcast-questionaire/
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
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://blog.venturesflyco.com/podcast-questionaire/
For the article about fly casting tips, click here: https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/how-to-fly-cast-weighted-fly-line/152074