Trout don't live in ugly places is a cute little phrase. But it is not true. I have caught trout in some ug-ly places. Busted concrete abutments, shopping carts, and the growl of engine braking are not what you think when you daydream of fly fishing. But out of necessity or adventure, this alternative ambiance certainly is an option. Today I give an ever-so surface level primer of how to figure out where and how to fish in town, city, or subdivision. You might have to dodge an angry person or some garbage, but you might also have an unforgettable angling excursion. Learn more about your ad cho ..read more

Guides do a lot more than put fish on the end of your line. In fact, putting fish on the end of your line is one of those things they can't do. So when they ask questions, give ideas, or encourage the trip to go in a different direction, their expertise is worth leaning into. Today I'm sharing four guide stories. Two are from my perspective as a client, one as a guide, and the last is from a friend with a particularly stubborn client. They're more educational/cautionary tales than anything else, but hopefully they can give some perspective as we're heading into another fishing season. And, pot ..read more

and a few of them are pretty inexpensive, too. For one reason or another, you might find yourself fly fishing in the kind of weather that isn't found on catalog covers. But there is also a very good chance that such outings yield experiences that you won't forget. By and large, the gear that you have will work when water is high, fast, and coming from the sky. But there are a few things that are really helpful for you to have on hand when the fair-weather anglers are warm and dry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ..read more

I was blessed to get a week and a half of vacation in one of my favorite places in this world: Virginia's Blue Ridge. Along with general rest and a lot of family time, I was able to get out and do a little bit of fishing. In this week's episode I talk through why this region is special, how I spent my time on the water, and some tactics that you might find useful. On a related note, I usually get some great feedback from others who fish the areas I mention on the podcast. Please reach out and let me know if you have fished or are planning to fish the mountain brooks and spring creeks ..read more

This installation of "fly fishing accusations" is all about dogmatic opinions. Included are convictions regarding: wading boot soles angling literature the exclusivity claims of Christianity Does that last one sound like it might not fit in with the others? Well, if the feedback I received from a recent article is any indication: it certainly does. Enjoy, and don't hesitate to reach out with your questions, comments, or accusations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ..read more

The initial Cast1 podcast series is wrapping up this week. The response to the first batch of episodes has been great, and I promise that there will be more podcasts along these lines in the future. Today's episode presents you with some next steps. Whether you're just getting into fly fishing or you've been on the water, rod in hand, for decades, I believe that this advice is equally valid. As always, feel free to reach out with podcast topics or any other questions, comments, or accusations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ..read more

Is fly fishing just you, a rod, and a fish? In one sense, it is. But in a much broader, more realistic way of thinking about things it certainly is not. There are a lot more people doing what you do, and being a part of that culture is not only unavoidable but enriching. Today I cover some important subject matter in the periphery of the fly fishing image. Things like literature and conservation aren't directly in the cast+bug=trout equation, but they have been, are, and will be what makes fly fishing what it is. Whether you've been angling forever or just getting started, it is worth thinking ..read more

Yes: you can fly fish for panfish and bass. Before the seasoned and refined fly fisher scoffs at this question, it is important to realize that this is actually a very common query among new anglers. In an incredibly cursory manner in today's show, I go over how and why the trout angler can and should spend some time on their local pond. The benefits include honing skills. Not to mention, catching a mess of bluegill on a 5-weight is all sorts of fun. As always, check out the back catalog on Casting Across for more info on the subject. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi ..read more

If you fly fish for trout, you can fish 12 months out of the year. There are a handful of very important caveats to that statement, but it is true nonetheless. Exceptions aside, it is key to understanding some of the reasons why fishing changes throughout the year and why. In another surface-level introduction, I walk through winter, spring, summer, and fall. Covering what you will encounter and how you might find success, I give you a glimpse at how someone might fish in all but the most extreme weather. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ..read more

You've got a fly rod. You've wrangled a few dozen flies into a box. You've even managed to get a hot tip on where some trout might be found. ...now what? Having all the gear and all the intel won't amount to anything unless you can cast your fly and cast it in the right spot. That is where casting and presentation come in. In an incredibly brief overview of these two pivotal angling topics, I share a few key things you ought to be thinking about as you approach the water. What casting and presentation both have in common is the importance of getting the essentials nailed down followed by quali ..read more