Podcast Ep. 397: [Cast1] Approaching a Mountain Stream

There is a significant segment of anglers who only fish (and rightfully enjoy) the stereotypical trout river or bass pond. These waters are easily accessible and usually full of fish; there is no reason to turn up your nose at them at all.

But if that is all you know, you’re missing out on some tremendous fly fishing. It just requires wrapping your mind around the fact that trout live in tiny pockets of water in the mountains.

Today I’m walking through how I approach fly fishing on a mountain trout stream. If you’ve been doing this for years, it is probably second nature. But if you’re the kind of angler I alluded to above? It might provided some helpful ideas as you add some range to your time outdoors with rod in hand.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: Fly Fishing Guidebooks (A Guide)

Why buy a cumbersome fly fishing guidebook when all that information is on the internet? Why purchase something that is just going to be out of date in a few seasons anyway?

Today I share why fly fishing guidebooks are not only helpful, but important to anglers. There is indeed a wealth of access and “tips & tricks” content online, but has it passed under the eye of an editor? Is there more than pragmatic data, such as historical details? This is why guidebooks matter. And whether they be regional or river-specific, they all have a role to play.

Furthermore, they deserve a spot on your bookshelf.

Watch what else I have to say about the books and find out where you can pick up your own copies below:

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5 Largemouth Bass Trivia Facts

Everybody knows largemouth bass.  Tournaments tie heavy purses to them. Kitschy wall decor celebrates them. They’re America’s fish.

And even though catching one can be as easy as putting a worm on a hook under a bobber, tangling with the biggest specimens takes some real know-how.  Understanding behavior and seasonality is essential for quality and quantity of fish. Over the past few decades, fly anglers have embraced the challenge and rush of hard-hitting and high-jumping black bass. They’ve come to understand that figuring out  warmwater  lunkers is as sophisticated an enterprise as finessing trophy trout.

The five pieces of largemouth bass trivia I’m sharing today probably won’t help you hook more, bigger fish. But they’re certainly interesting. If you’re a fly fisher, dropping one of these facts at the local boat launch might even earn you some street cred with the sparkly boat crowd.

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Podcast Ep. 396: Even More on Fly Fishing with Less

Fly fishing minimalism is not just about throwing things out of your pack willy-nilly. In fact, jettisoning necessary items doesn’t score you any virtue points. If anything, it is simply bad practice.

Today I’m sharing three mentalities, paradigms, or reasons why you might want to slim down your angling load. There are other resources on the particulars (including articles, podcasts, and videos on Casting Across). This episode is all about the why.

So whether you have to simplify or want to simplify, give a listen. Then, let me know what you leave at home when given the chance.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: Fly Fishing Minimalism – A Quick Look

If you’ve ever stepped foot in a fly shop or scrolled down through the options of an online retailer, you might think that fly fishing requires stuff. A lot of stuff.

And while most equipment out there does have a specific function for someone somewhere, the vast majority of fly fishing can be done with a minimal quantity of gear.

Today I’m sharing what goes into my “minimalist pack.” There isn’t a lot there, but what I choose serves me well and might give you some ideas on how to load up for time on the water. Most important, I talk through the why of going minimalistic.

Watch the video below:

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Dark Skies Fly Fishing: Summer 2026

This issue of Dark Skies Fly Fishing makes a dozen in this magazine’s catalog. I’m continually impressed by the caliber of writing featured in the periodical, as well as the diversity of angling topics that are represented.

I have two articles in this summer issue. The first is a book review on fishing pressured waters. The second is a road trip recommendation for the Driftless Region of the upper Midwest. If you enjoy spring creeks, rural scenes, and a truly unique area of the country, the trout-filled valleys of Wisconsin (and three other states) are worth learning about.

Along with my article, there are pieces on Delaware River hatches, linen fly rods, and the Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Museum. Click on the link below to start reading and to learn how you can access the whole issue.

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Podcast Ep. 395: Topwater is Tops

For the last 24 hours, I’ve enjoyed some very aggressive bass and panfish. And while I have no reservations using streamers, I’m more than happy to toss topwater flies if they’re what is on the menu.

Today I share some topwater fly tactics for warmwater fish. I discuss some of my preferred approaches to gear, to casting, to presentation, and to setting the hook.

But at the end of the day, getting out there and getting after these fish in the summertime is worth doing any way you want to and are able. So wherever you are, grab a handful of cork poppers and spend an evening at the local pond.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: A Fly Fishing Textbook Worth Reading Cover to Cover

There are plenty of “how-to” fly fishing books out there for beginners. Nearly all of them are informative. Many of them are a bit dry, which isn’t a surprise given the fact that they are essentially textbooks.

Michael Klimkos’ Introduction to Fly Fishing is  hardly tedious. It is written in an engaging style, lending itself as a book to read as much as it is a resource for those learning and teaching fly fishing. Written with six decades of fly fishing experience and a host of angling education in his background, Klimkos presents a great survey of the sport.  More than that, his passion for fishing and for sharing it with others absolutely comes through.

Watch what else I have to say about the book and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

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Rusty Flybox: PA Road Trip

At the time of writing, I have no plans to fish in Pennsylvania in June. However, I’ll be in and around some of my favorite trout water for a handful of days. And, as the second leg of my road trip does include fishing, I’ll have a few fly rods in my car.

So you never really know what might happen.

Regardless, it will be good to be back in an area I called home for a number of years. More than home, it was where I learned to fly fish and where I really fine-tuned a lot of my angling skills. Driving over my favorite rivers and telling stories to my friends and my kids will be a suitable substitute for actually getting my feet wet.

Speaking of stories…

Below are three items from Casting Across’ archives about south central PA. One is a playlist-driven account of my teenage angling exploits. Another is my son’s  experience fly fishing in my footsteps. And third is a whirlwind introduction to why this area is so special.

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Podcast Ep. 394: Swing Integration

I am not an expert in swinging flies in the most orthodox sense of the concept. In fact, I’ve never made any kind of presentation to steelhead in the Pacific Northwest or Atlantic salmon. However, I have swung wet flies in ways that might not draw the ire of purists.

But none of that is what I’m talking about today. The weird uncle of that noble tactic, swinging streamers and nymphs for bass and trout is  a little less dignified but a whole lot of fun. And, if you’re more about pragmatism and less about fun, it is more efficient.

Today I share three ways to swing flies at your local river. It doesn’t take any special gear or a lot of practice. Just get out there and swing away.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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