Eden
For fly anglers its becoming increasingly difficult to find pristine and unpopulated rivers. In this episode, Jim and Derek explore a river where they catch large rainbows and bull trout and where the only other anglers on the stream that day are the grizzly bears.
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The Next Bend
The Horsefly River is one of British Columbias gems. Its got all the right ingredients to earn this status: deep runs, perfect riffles, log jamsand fish. The stream draws large, hard fighting rainbows from Quesnel Lake at specific times of the year. On this autumn float trip, Jim and Derek find some of these rainbows and also a few other surprises in some of the deeper water.
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Connections
This episode features a unique hybrid between lake fishing and river fishing. Fly Fusion TV hosts, Jim McLennan and Derek Bird, fish the creek and river mouths that run into one of North Americas largest fjord lakes. The sockeye cycle draws them there, but theyre not fishing for the salmon that have traveled over 500 miles to spawn in the glacial streams feeding the lake. Theyre there to take advantage of the wild rainbow trout that rely on the spawning salmon as a food source.
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Balance
The Blackwater River in British Columbias Cariboo region features a unique strain of rainbow famous for their aggressive feeding behavior. The trout in the river system are wild, but because of their characteristics, the strain is used to stock lakes throughout the province. In this episode, Derek Bird and April Vokey (Fly Fusions steelhead editor), travel deep into the Cariboo backcountry in hopes theyll be successful in presenting dries to eager trout.
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Every River Has a Story
As the Quesnel River runs through the Cariboo region, its comparable to Jekyll and Hyde. The river that leaves the lake is slow and meanderingits a forgiving stream. If a fly angler misplaces a fly while casting from the drift boat, theres time to pick up and hit the water again. After a few kilometers, the river transforms into a powerful and erosive agent moving quickly through the sparsely inhabited region. In this episode Jim and Derek have to adjust their angling tactics in order to successfully fool the strong resident rainbows.
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In Good Hands
In this episode Jim and Derek explore sections of the Cariboo River in Watermasters. Though the river is a high volume stream, there are sections where rock outcrops provide a break in the flow, creating a trout sanctuary. Because of the fast flowing nature of the river, the wild rainbows are strong and readily take nymphs and dries.
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Familiar Flow
Every great journey begins with the familiar. And I love my home rivers in British Columbia so much that I rarely want to leave. But I know I have to travel so I can grow in my knowledge as a fly angler. There is something about new places and new faces that invite me to learn new techniques. So this season, I’m taking Fly Fusion magazine on the road where I’m going to learn from the best of the best in the heart of one of the West’s premiere fly-fishing destinations. But before I get on a plane, I have to take one more trip to the place that I never want to leave. Today, I’m fishing my very favorite stretch of my very favorite river.
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Skiffs & Stones
There is a universal commonality among fly anglers – always keep searching. It’s this curious need to see what else is out there that has always drawn me to other fisheries. It’s why, with great enthusiasm, we’re heading to Wyoming to explore the mighty snake river. Before diving into this prolific and extensive fishery, I felt it was important to understand the history of the place and try to learn from people who have put their time in on the water. I felt honored to fish my first day on the river with one of Jackson’s most recognizable faces, Paul Bruun. He’s a writer, guide and one of the inventors of the south fork skiff.
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Browns in Yellowstone
Today we’re headed to another stretch of water in an iconic part of Wyoming to fish in Yellowstone National Park. I’m joined by guide and angler Paula Shearer and writer, Editor and angler, Kirk Deeter as we explore an unnamed stream in a famed section of the park.
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Tetons & Yellowbellies
This episode, we’re just outside of Jackson, Wyoming on a special stretch of the great Snake River that runs through Grand Teton National Park. The principal fish we’re looking for is the Cutthroat trout. On paper, a fish is a fish, a river is a river and a mountain is a mountain. So then, what’s the point of traveling all this way? Maybe somewhere in this journey is the answer to what makes fishing more than just about the act of catching a fish. Taking time in pristine natural places fills a person’s soul and reminds us of what we can all work hard to protect. To better understand these iconic, wild, natural treasures and to continue to learn more about conservation, the history of the area, and what makes this region special, today we’re visiting with a true icon of the region in hopes to learn more about what it takes to preserve a great natural place. I can’t think of anyone better suited, and more interesting to spend the day with, than John Turner, former Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and his son Mark.
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Old Friends & New Waters
In my time as Editor and writer I feel fortunate to have fished with so many amazing anglers. I feel very privileged to fish in many memorable watersheds for a variety of species, but year after year it is the friendships and bonds with people that have given me the most joy. One such person I enjoy fishing with is Jeff Wagner, Fly Fusion magazine’s casting Editor. Jeff is the best caster I know and there is always lots that I can learn from him. This episode we are exploring a stunning section of the Green river. Join us as we attempt to find fish and crack the code on this remote river.
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South Fork Float
Looking back on our adventures in the American West this season, mother nature has thrown us just about every possible weather scenario. But, time after time, we’ve adjusted to the conditions and persevered. In this episode, we’re headed on an overnight journey down the Southfork of the Snake River. I’ll spend the first day in the boat with iconic angler, writer and Editor of Trout Magazine, Kirk Deeter. This guy is a gem, a genuine individual and he’s down to earth. I truly appreciated his relaxed approach to fly fishing. On our final day I got to fish with legendary angler, Mike Dawes, who has been fishing this stretch of river for twenty-two years. He’s one of the most humble anglers I’ve ever met. It was nice to spend a day on the water and learn a few new streamer fly-fishing tricks from this master fly angler.