Episodes

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 ...

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 doe...

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, ad...

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...

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 w...

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 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 matt...

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 ...

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. F...

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 g...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we’re posted up on the banks of the Elk River, just over the hill from the Jack Daniel Distillery, swapping stories with our longtime friend Howard Brooks. Howard’s a Tennessee native, a former client turned guide, and one of those guys who somehow makes every day on the water feel richer than the last. We get into where his fishing life started, how guiding happened “purely by accident,” and why at 83 years old he’s still pulling on oars and loving every min...

In this episode, we settle in for a true wintertime river recap. Instead of a rigid outline, we walk through a couple of cold, windy days on the water and talk honestly about what worked, what didn’t, and why winter fishing can feel both slower and more rewarding at the same time. From experimenting with new streamer ideas to battling wind, current, and changing water conditions, this one is about time on the water, tinkering at the vise, and enjoying good company when the river is quieter. Hig...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Bryson Storie to talk about fly fishing the Texas coast, focusing on the waters around Port O'Connor. A lot of anglers assume Texas saltwater is muddy and unfishable. Bryson explains why that couldn’t be further from the truth and breaks down the clear-water flats, diverse habitats, and fish behavior that make this area so special. We also drift into flies, food sources, guiding in Alaska, and the people who shape us along the way. Highlight...

In this episode, we slow things down and reflect on a question that feels simple at first but carries a lot of weight once you sit with it: what really is the best seat on the river? We take a thoughtful ride through seasons, boats, friendships, and family, looking at how our perspective changes over time and how fly fishing has a way of marking those changes if we pay attention. This one is less about tactics and more about people. It’s about watching anglers grow, roles shift, and moments pas...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Neil Norman, a writer, lifelong angler, and Smokies regular, to talk about far more than fish. Neil’s upcoming book, Tight Lines and Tall Tale Stories of Southern Appalachian Fly Fishing, serves as a backdrop for a wide-ranging conversation about mountain history, old fishing methods, unforgettable characters, and the deep sense of place that defines fly fishing in Appalachia. We spend time exploring how fishing in the southern Appalachians ...

What does it really mean to care for the waters we fish? In this mid-month episode of the Southeastern Fly Podcast, we tackle that question head-on—because the answer starts with each of us. Today we welcome back Jason McReynolds, guide and owner of Flying Soho and board member of the Blue Ridge Guides Association, to explore what it means to take ownership of our rivers and give back to the places that give us so much. Jason returns after his last appearance on Episode 89 (“Fishing Streamers”...

In this episode of the Southeastern Fly Podcast, host David Perry welcomes returning guest Rob Jeeves for a deep dive into DIY Fly Fishing North Carolina. Rob—who cut his fly-fishing teeth in the Tar Heel State before moving north—shares hard-earned insights on planning and fishing a self-guided trip through the region's freestones, headwaters, and neighboring tailwaters. They cover everything from gear and fly selection to reading water, fishing etiquette, and why Western North Carolina contin...

In this episode, we crack open a practical primer on caddis flies—what they are, how to spot them, and simple ways to fish each stage. We recorded this one from our “satellite offices” in Florissant, Colorado, and it’s all about translating river observations into flies that work right now on Southeastern waters. Highlights of the Episode Caddis 101, quick and clear: life stages from egg → larva → pupa → adult—and why that sequence matters for your fly selection. Reading the river: vegetation ...

In this episode, we dig into one of East Tennessee’s most intriguing tailwaters—the Holston (proper), below Cherokee Dam. With Knoxville guide Capt. Jeff Sharp riding shotgun, we map out the river’s fishy 52–53 miles, break down the famed caddis and sulfur programs, and share practical tactics for both trout and smallmouth—plus a few hard-earned stories (including the popper-eating smallie that still haunts Jeff). Highlights of the Episode: The Holston offers two personalities: cool upper trout...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we take you along on a saltwater run to Dauphin Island. What started as a quick hit-and-run turned into a day-and-a-half of lessons on packing light, listening to your guide, and making the most of limited shots in the Gulf. From tripletail to tarpon-style waiting games, we cover what makes salt trips unique and how to set yourself up for success. Highlights of the Episode: Travel light—essentials only, let your guide supply the flies and tackle. Fishing wi...

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Conklin of TFO to demystify fly rod technology—what really makes one rod feel “better” than another, how length and taper translate on the water, and why practice beats price every time. We dig into practical choices anglers face, from building a daily driver to picking a specialized stick, and we call out a few industry realities that affect every shop and every caster. Highlights of the Episode: The best rod is the one that fits your casting style, not t...

In this episode, we dig into one of our favorite summer tactics: sight fishing. From salt to fresh, we talk through how we slow down, observe, and turn “hunt mode” on—so we’re not just casting at water, we’re casting at fish. Along the way, we share a quick story about post‑storm scum lines turning on, the calm mindset that helps you make the shot, and a few simple prep habits that keep you from blowing it when a big one finally slides into range. Key Highlights: Where sight fishing shines: dri...

North Alabama’s smallmouth waters are legendary, and in this episode, we get the locals’ guide to making the most of them. We sit down with Captain Tony Cox, a lifelong Tennessee River angler and guide, to explore the unique mix of lakes, tailraces, and creeks that define the Shoals. Tony breaks down his favorite approaches for each water type, why heavy tackle matters here, and how to adapt when flows or weather change your plans. From sight-casting in clear creeks to battling big fish below T...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we dig into the art of “observating”—the practice of watching and learning from the river across all seasons, especially in the summer heat. We share tips for reading your water, from winter midge hatches and spring bug explosions to the challenges of fishing in triple-digit temps. We talk about how to know what’s happening on your river by watching bug activity, fish behavior, and even birds, plus why keeping yourself hydrated and fresh is just as important...