Podcasts are special, especially those about fly fishing. Is it because we yearn for knowledge, and so many give us tips, insights, and expert advice to help us catch more fish? Maybe it’s because fly fishing podcasts are the perfect companion when driving to the river, or even a roadtrip to a new destination. Some provide incredible stories that resonate deep within us, whereas others appeal because they closely resemble a group of friends sitting around and talking shop, making us feel like we’re part of the group. There are lots of options for fly fishing podcasts today, and each one brings its own flair to the party.
The podcast hosts are exceptional fly fishers, too! Rob Giannino of the Fly Fishing Journeys podcasts travels extensively around the world, pushing himself to be a better angler with each trip. I’ve had the pleasure of hosting trips to Iceland with Rob, and it’s guaranteed to always be a fun day on the water with Rob.
Whatever the reason, we tune in. I was driving to the river with my wife one winter day, and a podcast I had been interviewed on was released that morning. After plugging in my phone and letting my truck’s Apple CarPlay startup, we soon were greeted by the Wet Fly Swing podcast, listening to Dave Stewart and me talk about fly fishing for steelhead (or big rainbow trout in the Lake Erie tributaries!). On the water a few hours later, my wife and I made our way around the bend, nearly walking into two anglers heading downstream. We greeted them with typical “fly fishing headnods” then one turned and said, “I just listened to you on a podcast!” Yeah, fly fishers tune in.
But let’s get one thing clear: Making fly fishing podcasts is not easy. Being good friends with Rob Giannino of the Fly Fishing Journeys podcast has given me a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes, including preparation for interviews, gear setup, and technical editing. This doesn’t even account for the topic of each podcast, which is an art in itself. Thinking about starting your own podcast? I say go for it, but keep the following statistic in mind: 90% of podcasters quit after episode 3. Though the stat is proliferated from Google and may need to be seriously factchecked, it speaks to the complexity of creatively sharing information via an audio file.
Not only have I been a guest on Tom Rosenbauer’s podcast, the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide, but I also spent time chasing brook trout in Vermont with Tom. He is as fishy as they come, and we put together a couple YouTube videos when not fishing.
So what remains of the 10% that keep going? Some incredible podcasts cued up for our listening pleasure! Maybe that is a tad subjective, especially as many of my favorite podcasts include those I’ve been a part of. Every time I am invited to speak on a podcast, the experience is an honor that I treat accordingly, preparing notes to help guide my end of the discussion. This leads to a critical aspect of a podcast, the podcaster!
Wow, we are lucky to have a variety of so many dynamic hosts, each bringing a unique perspective to talk about fly fishing. Legendary names rise to the top, like Tom Rosenbauer and Andy Mill. Want to hear from the top names in fly fishing today? Rob Giannino travels The Fly Fishing Show circuit, interviewing the best of the best. Roger Maves has been airing his podcast live online for nearly 20 years, and his topics are guaranteed to provide you with a lifetime of learning. Looking for that podcaster who is guaranteed to dig deep? April Vokey is up for the challenge. What about those podcasters that just want to have fun and bring you along for the ride? The So Fly podcast crew is here to help.
Because each podcaster leans on their own personality, there is little overlap, especially when the hosts niche down on a specific topic to guide conversation. The ones that truly rise to the top seem to guide the show’s guest, connecting topics seamlessly, making you yearn for that next goodie! It seems easy enough when you’re listening to the podcast, but in the moment, there are so many directions to head. The best hosts choose the right route, to our benefit, then let the guest take over. And let’s not forget the guests!
Dave Stewart of the Wet Fly Swing podcast is great to hang out with, here we connected at the Denver Fly Fishing Show. His podcasts are grouped by seasons, and he has explored a range of topics on the show.
The rule is simple: Find a guest that can elaborate on a specific topics and tell some fun stories. Accomplish this and the show is guaranteed to be a good one. But is it really that easy? Some listeners expect a “famous” guest, someone they know has graced the cover of every fly fishing magazine. Then there are the listeners that tune in to every guide that’s interviewed, as they want to hear from the boots on the ground (err, in the water!). Yet others are craving to hear about adventures to bucket list destinations, giving them places to store away until the time is right. My recommendation is to keep an open mind when selecting the next podcast to listen to, as the good ones seem to open up a brand new world.
Need some choices? I am here to help you out, as I’m going to start with some of my favorite podcasts where I’ve been a guest. But be picky when listening, select one with a topic that interests you. So many of you reached out to me after Tom Rosenbauer and I talked about Emergers. The topic was engaging, informative, plus Tom and I have a lot of fun on that podcast. Or maybe go with a place that excites you! Rob Giannino and I have recorded podcasts in Iceland, Alaska, and even Wyoming, all incredible fishing destinations.
Enjoy listening to my favorites below, but don’t leave yet! I know many of you have favorite podcasts you’ve listened to, maybe even specific podcasts that resonate. April Vokey interviewed Ted Juracsik, and his stories of his life outside of fly fishing were captivating. Those are the podcasts I want to know more about, so my ask is simple: In the comments below, share some of your favorites for others (and me!) to check out in the future. Thanks ahead of time, and happy listening.
ORVIS FLY FISHING Guide PODCAST
Tom Rosenbauer hosts one of the most popular fly fishing podcasts ever. Packed full of information, this podcast is for every range of fly fishers and tiers. In my first talk with Tom, we discussed emergers, one of the most difficult phases of flies to imitate. For the second podcast, we talked about “untouchable” flies…and how we would change them!
Since these podcasts, Tom and I have fly fished together for brook trout in Vermont, and I consider him a true legend and ambassador of fly fishing.
FLY FISHING JOURNEYS
Host Rob Giannino always does an excellent job of sharing stories, fly fishing information, and more, all while taking us on a journey around the world to some of the best fishing destinations. We’ve recorded a bunch of podcasts together, and my favorites are shared here:
WET FLY SWING
Dave Stewart runs a fun podcast, expanding themes and topics in fly fishing and tying. It was so much fun that Dave has interviewed me three times! Also, I featured Dave on a fly tying video: HERE
ASK ABOUT FLY FISHING PODCAST
Host Roger Maves has interviewed HUNDREDS of experts in the world of fly fishing, spending time investigating all sorts of topics. His show is unique in that it is recorded live and shared across the Internet since 2006, allowing him to interactive with the audience. This is a fun show and I’m honored to have spoken with Roger twice!
Notable Podcasts:
Aldo of the So Fly podcast came to central Pennsylvania to fish on some of my home waters. Yes, it was as chilly as it looks! Aldo’s podcast is a fun one that always puts a smile on my face.
Articulate Fly: Marvin Cash is a friend, plus an incredible podcast host. Listen HERE
Fly Fishing 97: Mark has a lot of fun, and in this, we talk fly tying! Listen HERE
Fly Fishing Insider: Christian is a killer fly fisher and host of an information-heavy podcast! We had so much fun on the podcast, plus he wrote a blog on it, which helps you look over our discussed sections. Listen: HERE
Matt & Michele Outdoors: Based in the south, this one is all about the outdoors; hiking, camping, and fly fishing! Listen: HERE
SoFly Podcast: These guys from Canada are just fun…and we’ve fished together! I connected with them recently at teh Denver Fly Fishing Show, watch the video: VIDEO
Listen to their podcast: HERE
Wade Out There Fly Fishing: Jason puts a lot of energy and thought into his podcasts! Listen: HERE
Thanks for taking the time to learn about and listen to some of my favorite fly fishing podcasts! Now it’s your turn, take a moment below to share the ones that you listen to the moment a new episode is released. Plus, if you think I’d make a great guest on any podcasts not listed here, please connect me with them so we can get one in the works.