Advertise on podcast: Southeastern Fly

The outdoors can be unpredictable, and even experienced anglers can find themselves in situations they never saw coming. In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we welcome back Captain Tony Welch and Cody Fisher, along with longtime outdoorsman Bo Holly, for another installment of Wisdom From the Guides. We're sharing real-life experiences that remind us why preparation, awareness, and good judgment matter every time we head out on the water. From unexpected encounters with hornets to dangerous boating accidents and severe weather, our guests share stories that have changed how they approach the outdoors. We also discuss the importance of knowing when to call it a day, preparing for emergencies in remote areas, and learning from situations that don't go according to plan. Whether we're fishing mountain streams, coastal waters, or big rivers, there's always something new to learn. These stories remind us that experience is valuable, but staying alert and being prepared can make all the difference. Key Highlights: Hornets and yellow jackets can be some of the most unexpected dangers while fishing in the mountains.Captain Tony Welch shares a dramatic cold-water rescue involving a runaway boat.Bo Holly recounts a tragic hunting accident on the Mississippi River and the lessons learned.Lightning, strong winds, and falling trees can quickly turn a fishing trip into a dangerous situation.Being prepared for emergencies is especially important when fishing in areas without cell service.Cody shares what happened when he found himself locked out of his truck in a remote area.Sometimes knowing when to leave the water is the most important decision an angler can make. Resources: Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Daniel Roberts, a fly fishing and light tackle guide on Beaver Lake, Arkansas, to talk about freshwater striper fishing, fly design, and what fly anglers can learn from conventional fishing. Daniel shares how understanding conventional techniques can make us better fly anglers, especially when it comes to movement, retrieves, and triggering reaction bites. We also dig into the seasonal food sources of landlocked stripers, choosing the right fly profile, and why slowing down or speeding up your retrieve can make such a difference. We also hear about Daniel’s favorite places to eat around Beaver Lake and the story of a redfish tournament where plenty of fish were hooked, but the flooded grass made landing them another matter. Daniel’s approach is a good reminder that some of our best fishing lessons can come from looking beyond the techniques we already know. Listen to the episode, share it with your fishing partners, and go fish! Key Highlights: Staying open-minded about both fly and conventional fishing can make us more well-rounded anglers.Shad size and species change throughout the year, influencing fly size and profile.Daniel discusses Clousers, Lefty’s Deceivers, Pop Shads, Good Fridays, and other productive patterns.Changing retrieve speed, adding long pauses, and creating erratic movement can trigger fish.Intermediate lines and weightless patterns can keep a fly in the strike zone longer.Bigger stripers may hang outside or below actively feeding schools.Daniel shares ideas for using Ice Dub, translucent materials, and lessons from conventional lure design.Sharing information and learning from other anglers is an important part of the Beaver Lake fishing community. Resources: Beaver Lake Fly FishingVisit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

As colder weather approaches, we’re getting ready for winter fly tying season. This time, we walk through the system we use to stock fly boxes, organize materials, and tie enough proven patterns to carry us through the year without constantly returning to the vise. We also share details on the upcoming Borough Fly Fishing Meetup 2 in Murfreesboro, including guest tier Andrew Smalling from Fly South, who will be tying fall streamers. Winter tying doesn’t have to mean producing every fly you’ll need for the entire year. The goal is to build a solid supply of the patterns you trust most, stay organized, and spend less time scrambling to tie flies between fishing trips. And if you’re near Murfreesboro, join us for Borough Fly Fishing Meetup 2 at TailGate Brewery on Thursday, October 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. Come hang out, watch Andrew Smalling tie fall streamers, enjoy some pizza courtesy of Music City Trout Unlimited, and spend an evening with the local fly fishing community. Key Highlights: Preparing for Winter: Plan the patterns and sizes you’ll need most.Tie 13 at a Time: A baker’s dozen gives you one extra fly.Buy Quality Materials: Better hooks and materials make a difference.Stick With Proven Patterns: Stock up first, experiment later.Keep Extra Thread: A backup spool can save a tying session.Tie in Batches: Prepping materials makes the process more efficient.Track Your Progress: Lining flies up shows how your tying improves.Stay Organized: Sort flies by pattern and size for easy restocking. Resources: Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Hanna, Amy Snitko, Chaseline Waldrup, and Bella Orr from Knox Girls Who Fly Fish to talk about what it takes to build a fly fishing community from the ground up. In less than a year, the group has grown from a handful of women fishing together to a thriving community with regular meetups, fishing days, an active social media presence, and a growing email list. We talk about the practical things that have helped them grow, including social media, word of mouth, local fly shop support, and creating events where people feel comfortable showing up even if they've never picked up a fly rod. We also get into fishing techniques, favorite waters, dream trips, local food stops, and a few painful stories about the fish that got away. Key Highlights: Social media and word of mouth helped Knox Girls Who Fly Fish grow quickly while keeping the community personal and welcoming.Local fly shops have played a big part in connecting women with the group, hosting events, providing speakers, and helping spread the word.Meetups aren't always about fishing. Fly box nights, brewery gatherings, speakers, food, and casual conversations give new anglers an easier way to get involved.Creating a comfortable place to ask questions helps remove some of the intimidation that can come with learning fly fishing.Dry-dropper rigs are a group favorite, with plenty of discussion about changing fly size, tippet length, leader setup, and experimenting until you find what works.Bow-and-arrow casting, Euro nymphing, and Tenkara all make an appearance as the group shares some of the techniques they enjoy using on East Tennessee waters.The conversation travels from small plunge pools in the Smokies to tailwaters like the Clinch and Hiwassee, along with dream fishing destinations including New Zealand, Patagonia, Belize, Italy, and Alaska.We finish with local places to eat after a day on the water and stories about big trout that came painfully close to the net.Whether you're thinking about starting a fly fishing club, trying to breathe some new life into an existing group, or simply looking for more people to fish with, there are plenty of ideas here worth borrowing.Share this episode with your fishing partners and anyone interested in building a stronger fly fishing community. Be sure to follow Southeastern Fly, sign up for the newsletter, and go fish! Resources: Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we’re talking striper flies and how small design choices can affect the way a fly swims, sinks, and moves through the water. Think of this one as a striper fly primer, with a deeper technical conversation on striped bass coming in a future episode. We break down hooks, weight placement, materials, and retrieves, with an emphasis on tying and fishing every fly with a purpose. The biggest takeaway is to think intentionally about every part of the fly, from the hook and materials to the way you retrieve it. Build the fly for the water you’re fishing, stay connected during the retrieve, and be ready when a striper gives you a shot. Key Highlights: How jig hooks and traditional J hooks create different movements in the water.Why weight at the front, middle, or rear of a fly changes how it sinks and swims.Use materials to solve a specific fishing problem rather than simply using what’s available.Keeping constant contact with the fly can make a major difference when fishing streamers.Focus on structure, rocks, stocking points, and slower water beside faster currents. Resources: Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Moroney of Infinite Outdoors to talk about planning a DIY fly fishing trip through the Rocky Mountain West. Michael draws from his experience as a guide, biologist, and fisheries manager to explain how water levels, river size, seasonal conditions, and familiar fly patterns can help anglers find success in unfamiliar water. We also explore how Infinite Outdoors connects anglers with exclusive access to private rivers and streams across the West, giving them room to slow down, study the water, and enjoy a full day without the pressure of crowded public access. Whether you are planning your first trip west or looking for a new way to experience familiar rivers, this conversation offers practical advice for building a comfortable, productive DIY fishing trip. Key Highlights: Michael explains how river flows, seasonal conditions, and water levels should shape your starting rig.Familiar flies like pheasant tails, hare’s ears, San Juan worms, and Parachute Adams still work well out West.Infinite Outdoors gives anglers exclusive access to private fishing properties, along with maps, river flows, weather, and property details.Large, medium, and small rivers each require a different approach, from carefully working riffles to covering water with dry flies.David shares a memorable day on a private Colorado stream, while Michael tells the story of a massive brown trout that got away. Resources: Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletterInfinite Outdoors Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we recap a recent trip to Upper East Tennessee with the Liars and Tyers. The trip included clear water, low flows, long leaders, dry-dropper rigs, and plenty of stories from more than two decades of fishing together. We also look at the leader setup that became our go-to system for the trip. It was not the easiest rig to cast, but it helped us make delicate presentations without putting fly line over wary fish. This trip was a reminder that good fishing does not always require complicated flies. Sometimes a simple midge, a long leader, and a precise drift are all it takes. Key Highlights: We stop at Buc-ee’s, suffer through a bad Wendy’s meal, and navigate Knoxville traffic.A long mono leader helps us avoid spooking fish in clear water.Simple red midges produce most of the action.Clean, drag-free drifts outperform complicated fly patterns.Riffles and color changes consistently hold fish.Accurate casts and delicate presentations are essential.We share a reminder to respect other anglers and their water.We revisit a productive spot named more than 20 years ago.Low flows make rowing challenging, but the river becomes easier to read. Resources: Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

We sat down with Wade Hopper, Zach Morris, and Shane Stewart of Team Hog Wild to talk about musky fishing, fly fishing tournaments, and their win at the Kentucky River Musky Classic. From tough conditions and muddy ramps to clear creek mouths and early morning eats, this conversation is packed with stories, strategy, and hard-earned lessons from anglers who know what it means to put in the time for musky. This episode is about more than chasing toothy fish. It is about teamwork, preparation, adaptability, and staying locked in when one good cast can change the whole day. Whether you fish for musky, smallmouth, trout, or anything in between, there are plenty of takeaways here for your own time on the water. Key Highlights: Key Highlights:Focus on side profile, hard strips, and killing the fly at the right moment.The guys explain why musky tournaments are built on camaraderie as much as competition.Team Hog Wild shares how they won through tough water and changing conditions.Creek mouths, structure, stained water, and timing all shaped their approach.Learn how size, color, profile, and action affect musky eats.Each guest shares a fish story that still stings. Resources: Kentucky River Musky Classic InstagramVisit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we take a practical and lighthearted look at fly fishing etiquette, not just around other anglers, but with fishing partners, guides, and everyone sharing time on the water. From saltwater skiffs to drift boats, this episode is full of reminders that good etiquette often comes down to awareness, respect, and being a decent fishing companion. At the heart of this episode is a simple reminder: be mindful. Whether you’re fishing the river, the lake, or the salt, your actions affect the people around you. Good etiquette keeps the day safer, smoother, and a whole lot more fun. Key Highlights: Skiff Etiquette: We cover a few rules that should go without saying, including where not to stand, where not to cast, and why the push pole deserves a little respect.Understanding Boat Directions: When a guide calls out a fish at 12 o’clock, 8 o’clock, or anywhere else, knowing the “pointy end” of the boat matters. Clear communication can make or break a shot at a fish.Sharing the Casting Platform: Whether the fishing is fast or slow, we talk about why it’s important to trade time fairly with your fishing partner and keep the experience enjoyable for everyone.Helping From the Back of the Boat: If you’re not on the platform, you still have a job. Keep fly line clear, watch for snags, take pictures, and help your buddy get the best shot possible.Drift Boat Awareness: From hook sets to casting angles, we discuss how close quarters in a drift boat require anglers to stay aware of guides, partners, and flying flies.Music, Drinks, and River Manners: A little music or a cold beverage can be part of a great day, but only when everyone is on board. We talk about volume, moderation, and remembering that guides are working. Resources: Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with David Knapp and Pat Tully from Trout Zone Anglers for a Wisdom From the Guides conversation all about fly fishing the Clinch River in Tennessee. This episode has been a long time coming, and we dive into the river’s unique structure, food sources, flows, fish behavior, and the small details that make the Clinch such a special tailwater. The Clinch is a river that rewards time, observation, and patience. From low water midge fishing to high water nymph rigs, from deep ledges and weed beds to sneaky frog water along the edges, David and Pat share the kind of on-the-water knowledge that only comes from spending a lot of days rowing, wading, guiding, and learning. Key Highlights: Two Confidence Flies: David and Pat both lean heavily on pheasant tails and midges, especially sulfur-style nymphs and micro tubing midges.Reading the River Bottom: The Clinch is full of shoals, ledges, weed beds, troughs, and midstream wood that can hold fish but also steal flies.Flows and Fishing Strategy: Low water, one generator, and two generators all fish differently, and each flow has its own challenges and advantages.Clinch River Food Sources: Midges, sulfurs, scuds, sow bugs, worms, snails, caddis, sculpins, and even small rainbow trout all play a role in the fishery.Overlooked Water: Frog water, shallow edges, and slow flats often hold fish that many anglers walk past or spook before noticing.Big Fish Stories: David and Pat share memorable stories about large brown trout, hard-fighting rainbows, and the ones that still keep them coming back.Local Stops: Pat shares a couple of favorite food stops near the river, including Valley Quick Pack and the restaurant near the weir area. Resources: Trout Zone AnglersVisit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we share the story behind the upcoming Murfreesboro Fly Fishing Meetup at Tailgate Brewery. What started as a simple idea to give local anglers a place to gather has turned into a joint effort with Music City TU, Southeastern Fly, and Tailgate Brewery. The goal is simple: bring fly anglers together. No formal program, no big presentation, and no pressure. Just a chance to talk fishing, reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and welcome anyone interested in fly fishing. Key Highlights: The Idea Behind the Meetup: We talk about why having a simple place and time to gather can help strengthen the local fly fishing community.Inspired by Others: Conversations with Knox Girls Who Fly Fish helped shape the idea and showed how small groups can grow when people feel welcome.Music City TU’s Involvement: John and Tom from Music City TU helped move the idea forward and are bringing pizza for the group. Event Details: The meetup will be held Thursday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Tailgate Brewery in Murfreesboro, located at 210 Stones River Mall. Everyone Is Welcome: You do not have to be a TU member, a longtime listener, or an experienced angler. Just show up if you enjoy fly fishing or want to learn more. Come by for a few minutes or stay awhile. We hope this becomes a relaxed way for people in the area to connect, share stories, and spend time with good people who love fly fishing. Resources: Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Zach Kaufman, one of the owners of Sawyer Paddles and Oars, for a conversation about fly fishing, river life, and the craft behind building oars. Zach brings decades of experience as a rafting guide, fishing guide, oarsman, and business owner, with much of his time spent on the Rogue, Klamath, and Umpqua rivers. We talk through the history of Sawyer, how wooden and composite oars are built, and why the feel of a one-piece wood oar still matters to so many rowers. Zach also shares stories from Southern Oregon steelhead fishing, half-pounder runs, dam removals, river access, and the value of local knowledge when fishing unfamiliar water. Key Highlights: The Sawyer Story: How Sawyer moved from paddles into oars.Wooden Oars: A look at the wood, shaping, and handwork behind each oar.The Feel of Water: Why one-piece wood oars create a strong connection to the river.Composite Options: How shafts, blades, and swing weight affect rowing.Southern Oregon Fisheries: Steelhead, salmon, half-pounders, and changing rivers.Local Intel: Why fly shops, guides, and time on the water matter.Fish That Got Away: Zach’s memorable stories of big fish lost. Resources: Sawyer Paddles and Oars: paddlesandoars.com Sawyer Station: sawyerstation.com Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we talk through one of the most overlooked parts of fly fishing success on the river: leaders and tippet. What seems like a small detail can have a major effect on turnover, presentation, drift, and ultimately whether or not fish eat. We walk through practical tips for matching leader length to water clarity, choosing stronger tippet than most anglers think they can get away with, and avoiding common mistakes that hurt presentation. From dry flies and nymph rigs to streamers, this conversation is all about building a better leader system and understanding how each section works together. Key Highlights: Matching leader length to conditions: In clear, slow water, longer leaders help keep fly line farther from the fish. In stained or faster water, shorter leaders are often all you need.Why heavier tippet often helps: We talk about how anglers often fish too light, which can create poor turnover, extra tangles, and longer fights that stress fish.Leader maintenance matters: Straightening your leader before fishing and replacing worn tippet can immediately improve presentation and drift.Micro swivels and tippet rings: We discuss a practical way to preserve your leader system, save money, and make changing tippet easier.Building better leader systems: From butt section stiffness to taper design, we explain how the right setup transfers energy and helps flies turn over more cleanly. Resources: Episode 123, “Fishing Near Salida, Colorado”Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Captain Mark Richardson of Ark Anglers to talk about fishing the Arkansas River around Salida, Colorado. Mark guides this water day in and day out, and in this conversation we cover the different sections of the river, seasonal conditions, floating productive water, and what makes the Arkansas River such a special fishery. We also revisit a day we spent on the water together and talk through streamer fishing in slightly stained conditions. From river structure to fly choice and presentation, this episode offers practical insight for anglers planning a trip out West or simply wanting to learn how a guide breaks down a river. A big takeaway from this conversation is that success on the Arkansas often comes down to reading conditions, adjusting your approach, and understanding how each section of river fishes differently. Key Highlights: The Three Basins: Mark breaks down the upper, middle, and lower sections of the Arkansas River.Why the Lower Basin: We talk about why this stretch is one of Mark’s favorites to fish and float.Streamers in Colored Water: Slight stains can make streamer fishing much more effective.Retrieve Matters: Cadence, movement, and angle all play a role in getting eats.Confidence Flies: Mark shares a few of his go-to streamer patterns and colors.Adjusting Setups: We discuss when to change lines and presentations based on conditions.Watching Fish React: Observation and small changes can lead to better results.Beyond the River: Mark also talks about nearby high-country lake opportunities. Resources: ArkAnglers in Salida, ColoradoVisit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down on the banks of the Elk River in Tennessee and talk about something every fly angler eventually spends time doing during the winter months: tying flies. After spending time recently tying at Little River Outfitters and working through a few patterns at the vise, we decided to walk through some practical fly tying thoughts that can help both beginners and experienced tiers improve their flies. Rather than focusing on a single pattern, we discuss general principles that apply across the board. From thread control and material selection to building better dry flies, nymphs, and streamers, the conversation centers around small adjustments that can make a big difference in how your flies look, hold up, and ultimately fish. A big takeaway from this discussion is that nothing in fly tying is absolute. There are many different ways to approach tying, and improvement usually comes from experimenting, refining your technique, and learning what works best for you at the vise and on the water. Key Highlights: Thread Control Matters: Consistent tension and flat thread wraps help prevent materials from spinning and create a clean foundation for the fly.Less Material Is Often Better: Sparse flies tend to look more natural in the water and often fish better than overdressed patterns.Building a Clean Thread Base: A smooth underbody allows materials like chenille, ribbing, and wire to lay evenly and improve the overall appearance of the fly.Dry Fly Balance and Proportion: Proper tail length, correct hackle size, and avoiding crowding the hook eye all help a dry fly float and fish the way it should.Strategic Weighting for Nymphs: Adjusting where and how much weight is added can change how a fly sinks and fishes in different water conditions.Reinforcing with Ribbing: Counter-wrapping wire over delicate materials improves durability and helps flies last through more fish.Movement Over Bulk in Streamers: Choosing materials that breathe and pulse in the water can create more realistic action than simply adding more material.Using Flash Carefully: A few strands can suggest the flash of baitfish without overpowering the pattern. Resources: Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletter Produced by NOVA