Podcast
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Hosted by Dave Stewart · EN
Dave from the Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Blog interviews the biggest names in fly fishing and fly tying today. He digs out all of the best fly fishing tips and tricks to help you understand how to choose the right gear, find fish, present the fly, discover new patterns and much more. Find out about new rods, lines, techniques, knots, tying tools and unheard of tips along with great stories about life and the times of some of the most knowledgeable guides, shop owners, and fisherman from around the world. Season 1 covers all things steelhead fishing. Better understand topics like spey casting, nymphing vs. swinging flies, intruders, finding fish, conservation and finding new waters. Come join us for the current season and share the stories and great memories told by amazing people.
108episodes
Episodes
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965 | Remembering Doug Stewart: Fly Fisher, Teacher, and Dad
4d ago01:02:18Tap to summarizehttp://wetflyswing.com/965Sponsors: Sullivan Fly Rods, On DeMark Lodge, Redds FliesDave shares the story of his father, Doug Stewart, who recently passed away at 87. Doug was the person who introduced Dave to fly fishing, and his influence eventually helped lead to the creation of the Wet Fly Swing Podcast.Doug’s own fly fishing story reaches back more than 70 years.He first started fishing the Deschutes River with his father in the early 1950s, when seeing a dozen anglers on the river could make it feel crowded. He eventually became a longtime Deschutes guide, fly shop owner, fly tyer, rod builder, writer, and teacher who introduced countless people to fly fishing.Doug was also the creator of the Max Canyon steelhead fly. He tells the story of sitting under the trees with Steve Dorn during a brutally hot day on the Deschutes. With fishing slowed down, they started tying flies to pass the time. Doug liked orange and black, put the colors together, and eventually refined the pattern that became the Max Canyon.We also hear about the early days of Stewart’s Custom Tackle, which later became Stewart’s Fly Shop. Doug talks about building the business through word of mouth, teaching casting and fly tying, and watching A River Runs Through It bring a surge of new anglers into fly fishing.But this episode goes well beyond the history of a fly shop or a famous steelhead pattern.Doug shares stories from decades on the water, including hooking and releasing 58 steelhead with Jim Teeny during an incredible day of fishing, falling into the Deschutes while fighting a steelhead, encounters with bears in Alaska, and watching the fly fishing world change around him.Teaching runs through much of Doug’s story. Before going full-time in fly fishing, he was a seventh and eighth grade teacher. He later brought that same mindset to the fly shop, guiding, casting lessons, fly tying classes, and the many anglers he helped along the way.Dave also reflects on what that influence looks like today. Doug taught him to fish. Dave passed some of those lessons to friends, who then taught their own kids. That ripple effect may be one of Doug’s greatest legacies.Near the end of their original conversation, Doug is asked what he would like to be remembered for. His answer comes back to the people: running the fly shop, teaching people to cast and tie flies, learning from others, and staying connected to the fly fishing community.This episode is ultimately about more than fly fishing.It’s about fathers, sons, teachers, friends, and the limited amount of time we get together.If your dad, father figure, mentor, or fishing partner is still around, give them a call. And if you still have the chance to take another fishing trip together, don’t wait too long to make it happen.
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964 | Beyond the Giveaway #2: Trophy Pike and Trout Fishing at Scott Lake Lodge with Paul Plum
6d ago00:53:04Tap to summarize#964 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/964Presented by: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, AVC Rig, Fishhound ExpeditionsSponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors Paul Plum entered our Scott Lake Lodge giveaway without expecting much to happen. A few weeks later, he got the call that changed his summer. Together, we traveled deep into northern Saskatchewan, where world-class fishing, incredible hospitality, and untouched wilderness created an experience neither of us will forget.Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/964
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963 | Big Predator Flies: Fly Tying and Destination Fishing with Max Rivetta
1w ago00:54:03Tap to summarize963 Show Notes: https://www.wetflyswing.com/963Presented by: Moccasin Fly ClubBig predator flies are built for explosive strikes, brutal fights, and anglers who live for the hunt.From striped bass on Long Island to peacock bass in the Amazon, Max Rivetta has spent years tying flies for predator fish. As the in-house fly tyer and host of Moccasin Fly Club, he shares the techniques, materials, and lessons he's learned along the way.We cover Bob Popovics' influence on modern fly design, choosing high-quality bucktail, preparing for destination trips, and why connecting with other fly tyers is one of the fastest ways to improve your skills.Show Notes: https://www.wetflyswing.com/963
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962 | Soulfly Co.: How Music and Fly Fishing Are Building a Stronger Community
1w ago01:01:24Tap to summarize962 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/962Presented By: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Togiak River Lodge, Drifthook, Blue Bonefish LodgeFly fishing has always been about more than catching fish; it's about building connections, sharing experiences, and protecting the waters that bring people together. In this episode, host Dave Stewart sits down with Kyle Schaefer, founder of Soulfly Co Outfitters, to discuss how his company is bringing those values to life through music, fly fishing, and conservation. Together, they explore how Soulfly Co. is creating a welcoming community that inspires both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike.Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/962
Transcribe →961 | The Top 10 Fly Fishing Podcasts of 2026 (So Far)
2w ago00:18:41Tap to summarizeWe're officially past the halfway point of 2026, and it's been one of the biggest years yet for the Wet Fly Swing Podcast. We've expanded to four full-length interviews every week, added new shows from some of the biggest names in fly fishing, traveled to incredible destinations, and continued growing the Wet Fly Swing Pro community.One question we get all the time is, "What episodes should I start with?"To answer that, we pulled together the 10 most-listened-to episodes of the year so far. Whether you're interested in casting, dry-dropper fishing, Euro nymphing, steelhead, fly rod design, or planning your next destination trip, this list is a great place to dive in.The Top 10 Episodes of 2026:10. Jason Randall – Dry Dropper Fishing Beyond the Basics (Episode 928)Jason Randall breaks down the divot, pivot, and twist system while sharing practical ways to improve your dry-dropper fishing beyond the basics.9. John Hazel – Origins of Spey Casting & the Deschutes River (Episode 934)A fascinating conversation with one of the pioneers of Spey fishing on the Deschutes River, covering the history of steelhead fishing and how the sport evolved.8. Paul Arden – Why Anglers Stop Improving (Episode 939)Sexyloops founder Paul Arden shares fly casting insights, explains common mistakes, and discusses why many anglers eventually plateau.7. Jeff Liskay – The Steelhead Swing System (Episode 898)A special presentation recorded during one of our fly fishing boot camps that gives listeners a taste of a Wet Fly Swing masterclass.6. Larry Kenney – Inside Scott Fly Rods (Episode 906)Scott Fly Rods founder Larry Kenney shares the company's history, innovations, and what makes Scott rods unique.5. Connor Quigley – Inside Thomas & Thomas (Episode 948)Connor Quigley discusses fly rod design, innovation, and the development of travel-friendly six-piece Spey rods.4. Ed Jaworowski – The Science of a Perfect Fly Cast (Episode 897)One of fly fishing's legendary casting instructors returns to explain the principles behind a better, more efficient cast.3. Devin Olsen & Jack Arnett – Competitive Dry Fly Fishing (Episode 922)Members of Team USA discuss competitive dry fly fishing and how they prepare for international competition.2. Jordan Larson – From Filmmaker to Togiak River Lodge Owner (Episode 947)Jordan shares the unexpected journey that took him from filmmaking into owning one of Alaska's premier fly fishing lodges.1. Mark Melnyk – Giant Northern Pike at Scott Lake Lodge (Episode 946)Our most popular episode of the year features Mark Melnyk of The New Fly Fisher discussing giant northern pike, lake trout, and the incredible fisheries of northern Saskatchewan. It became even more meaningful after our own trip to Scott Lake Lodge confirmed just how special the destination really is.Looking AheadThe second half of the year is shaping up to be just as exciting. We're planning new schools, destination trips to places like Belize and Iceland, more YouTube content, and continued growth inside the Wet Fly Swing Pro community. We'll also continue bringing on some of the best guides, anglers, and innovators in fly fishing to help you become a better angler.If you're looking for your next episode, start with this Top 10 list. These conversations resonated with thousands of anglers this year, and there's a good chance you'll find a few new favorites of your own.
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960 | Swinging Flies for Trout and Summer Steelhead with Jim Sens
2w ago01:04:25Tap to summarize960 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/960Presented by: AVC Rig, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Togiak River Lodge,Blue Bonefish LodgeExperience doesn't end the learning; it just changes the questions you ask on the water. Today I'm joined by Jim Sens of Deadman's Guide Service to talk about why swinging flies for trout and summer steelhead has become one of his favorite ways to catch fish.Jim spends much of his season guiding anglers on Oregon's McKenzie and Willamette rivers, where he blends summer steelhead, trout, Spey casting, dry flies, nymphing, and wet flies into one complete day on the water.We also get into fishing summer steelhead from a drift boat, the trout flies that are always in Jim's box, and how he fishes seams and tailouts throughout the season.Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/960
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959 | Colorado Fly Fishing with Michael Tolerton from Golden Fly Shop
2w ago00:48:32Tap to summarize#959 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/959Presented by: Golden Fly ShopColorado offers far more than famous trout rivers. Michael Tolerton from Golden Fly Shop shares why the Front Range gives anglers access to an incredible range of fisheries within a short drive, along with tips on how changing water conditions can actually create new opportunities.Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/959
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958 | Carp on the Fly: Rick Mikesell's Guide to Denver's South Platte
2w ago01:02:22Tap to summarize#958 Show notes: https://wetflyswing.com/958Presented By: Golden Fly Shop, FishHound Expeditions, Fly Fish With Me Utah, Yellowstone Teton Territory – Visit IdahoIn this episode of the Wet Fly Swing Podcast, Rick Mikesell shares why Denver's South Platte has become a destination for fly anglers looking to challenge themselves with one of the smartest fish in freshwater. He explains how carp fishing improves your casting and presentation, how it closely resembles saltwater flats fishing, and what it takes to fool these powerful fish consistently.Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/958
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In the Bucket #22 | Dec Hogan, Jonathan Farmer & Marty Howard on Steelhead, Fly Design, and Fishing Culture
3w ago01:40:52Tap to summarize957 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/957Presented By: Stone Fly Nets, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Togiak River Lodge, Golden Fly ShopIn this episode of In the Bucket, Brian Niska welcomes Dec Hogan, Jonathan Farmer, and Marty Howard for a thoughtful discussion about steelhead fly fishing and the values that keep the sport alive. Their conversation goes beyond flies and techniques, exploring how mentorship, craftsmanship, books, conservation, and community continue to shape fishing culture today.Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/957
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956 | Newfoundland Atlantic Salmon Fishing with Stephen Brunt
3w ago01:01:46Tap to summarize#956 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/956Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort Stephen Brunt shares how a magazine assignment turned into a lifelong connection with Newfoundland. Along the way, we cover Atlantic salmon tactics, the legacy of Lee Wulff, the unique culture surrounding these rivers, and why this part of Canada has become one of his favorite places on earth.Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/956
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