#785B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785B

Presented By: Togiak River Lodge

Jordan Larsen didn’t grow up with a fly rod in hand. In fact, he used to avoid fly shops entirely. But one summer filming anglers in Alaska changed everything. In this episode, we hear how Jordan went from lodge videographer to lodge owner, how spey casting rekindled his passion for fishing, and what it’s really like building a fly fishing program from the ground up—in one of the most remote places on earth.

You’ll learn about the challenges of launching a lodge during COVID, lessons from running a multi-style guiding operation, and what it takes to bring a new spey season to life in Alaska’s Togiak River. Expect stories of bear fights, massive king salmon, hard-earned wisdom, and a deep love for the fish and the people.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785B

#784 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/784

Presented By: Mountain Waters Resort, FishHound Expeditions, Pescador on the Fly

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Today's guest takes us where technology meets the river. He shared the stage with Bill Gates multiple times, leads the charge in AI, and still finds time to run a guide business in the Sierras. We're heading into California to explore its wide variety of fly fishing, from bays to the beaches, to Baja and high mountain streams chasing golden trout. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with fresh tools and inspiration for planning your next fly fishing adventure.

Tim Huckaby, Microsoft executive and guru on AI, is going to walk us through the Sierra Nevadas, what he does there for guiding, he's going to take us into San Diego, all the diversity of species down there, and all the interests that create this amazing life he has going. You'll find out what big species you can find in the bays of California and why the Hoi kayak is a must-have if you're heading down there. You're also going to get a few tips on fishing the Golden Trout wilderness, and what you can do if you're planning a trip down in that area. He knows it very well. Plus, we're going to find out what good AI and what bad AI looks like in the outdoors, coming from the man who's creating it. A very interesting conversation. So let's get this one going.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/784

#783 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/783

Presented by: Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Togiak River Lodge, Intrepid Camp Gear, Smitty's Fly Box

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to swing flies for giant rainbows on one of Alaska’s most famous rivers, this episode is for you. We sit down with Jack Mitchell of The Evening Hatch to dig into Kvichak River fly fishing. Jack shares what makes this river so special, how his late-season program came together, and why swinging flies here is unlike anywhere else. You’ll also hear tips for landing these hard-fighting rainbows and how this trip compares to his other fisheries in Washington.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/783

782 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/782

Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort

Les Wentzell, founder of Mountain Waters Resort and our guide on this year’s big trip, breaks down fishing for Atlantic Salmon on Portland Creek. You’ll hear why a WiFi signal is the perfect way to think about covering water.

Plus, get the scoop on what to do the moment you get a hookup, why a dead-straight cast can make or break your day, and Les’s simple but powerful leader formula, the secret weapon every angler needs. Here’s Les Wenzel from Mountain Waters Resort.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/78

#781 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/781

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

In episode #4 of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast, Chad Johnson kicks things off with a July fishing report from the White and Norfolk Rivers, highlighting the sulfur hatch and prime hopper season. The transition from sulfurs in the evening to hoppers during the day opens up a ton of topwater opportunities, while nymphing with girdle bugs and pheasant tails remains productive. Chad shares fly suggestions like the Fat Albert, Psycho Ant, PMX, and two-bit hookers—solid patterns for the Ozark summer bite. The brief segment wraps with Diamond State Fly Shop’s usual shoutout, plugging tying nights and their new podcast, Guide Talk.

The rest of the episode shifts into an intimate, storytelling-driven conversation with longtime friend and fellow guide Ben Levin. Together, they reflect on youth fly fishing competitions, the influence of legends like Dave Whitlock, and their early guiding experiences across the Ozarks, Idaho, Chile, and beyond. Chad and Ben trade heartfelt stories and fishing lessons from Whitlock himself—ranging from barefoot stream canoeing to master-level finesse casting. Packed with insight, nostalgia, and a touch of humor, this episode honors mentorship, deep friendships, and the never-ending journey of learning in fly

#781 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/781

#780 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/780

Presented by: Visit Idaho

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to truly dial in Idaho fly fishing, today’s episode is for you. We’re joined by David Raisch, longtime guide at the Lodge at Palisades Creek and co-founder of Hawgfish, who has spent the last 25 years exploring some of the most diverse and overlooked fisheries in the West.

From the famous Henry’s Fork to the sprawling South Fork of the Snake, all the way to the ledges of American Falls, David has seen it all. And today he’s sharing the lessons learned. You’ll hear why Idaho might be one of the most underrated fly fishing destinations, how to rethink your setup for big winter trout, and why those smallmouth bass flats deserve way more of your attention this summer.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/780

779 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/779

Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Fish The Fly, Patagonia, Four Wheel Campers

Stillwater Fishing can feel like a mystery if you're not sure where to start. Should you go with a balanced leech or a chironomid? Use an indicator or not? And hey, does trolling still count?

In this episode, we're joined by Greg Keenan, host of the Stillwater Edge podcast and a guy who lives and breathes lake fishing. Greg breaks down his systematic approach to Stillwater, shares his hybrid leader setup, and talks about how to actually find fish, not just cast and hope.

We also get into stripping techniques, when to troll, and the new resources he's rolling out to help you level up on the lake.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/779