Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.
Spencer Durrant hosts "Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone." The show answers user-submitted questions about fly fishing, helping others learn and grow in this wonderful sport.
Episodes
Fly Fishing With Hoppers: Strategies You Don't Hear Enough About | Ep. 193
ALEX STULCE RETURNS! And as he joins Spencer on today's episode, the two talk about the hopper fishing strategies that too often get ignored. Things like adding drag on purpose to make the hopper look like it's alive, to fishing them in shallow, nervous water. These are the little things that WILL make a difference in your fishing this summer, but that most folks don't ever discuss. You'll also h
The Bass I NEVER Thought I'd Catch | Fly Fishing Stories #10
The days when you catch something unexpected — your new personal best, for instance — seem to come out of nowhere, like letters from the IRS. And not unlike mail from the tax man, I think every angler has at least SOME level of fear that they won't be prepared to meet those memorable fish when they decide to show up. Of course, not every unforgettable fish has to be huge — it can be a particularl
I Was Wrong About Fly Fishing Apps — Here's What Changed My Mind | Ep. 192
Fly fishing apps are for those lazy anglers who just want someone to tell them where to go, what flies to use, and how to fish. They're for people who prefer automatic transmissions, boneless chicken wings, and Downton Abbey. Right? Well, not exactly. That was my attitude for a LONG time, until this year. I started using one app, and it honestly made me change my tune. These apps can be really h
When And Why You Need A Double-Taper Fly Line | Tip of the Week #15
There are two main types of fly lines - weight-forward and doube-taper. But what do those words mean? And when would you want to use one versus the other? Today on Untangled, we'll tackle everything to know about the differences between these lines, as well as getting into when and why you might want to use them. We'll also talk about the importance of matching your fly line to your rod, and what
Dry Fly Fishing Is Hard, But No One Tells You Why | Ep. 191
This is the first episode of our new Everday Angler series, where we sit down with anglers who are at every stage of the learning curve. Yes, guides, outfitters, and industry experts have a lot to add to the conversation, but how often is their advice actualyl tailored to the situation you're in right now? And since one of the best ways to learn is by chatting with other anglers in your exact sit
Untangled Fly Fishing Report | August 2026
August can feel like one of the tougher months for fly fishing, and in many ways, it is. BUT - with the right approach, you can still have a great time on the water this month. Depending on where you live, your best option might be fishing early in the morning, or chasing non-trout species. If you have easy access to the high country nearby, this is a great time to go out and explore all the less-
The 68-Degree Rule: When Water Gets Too Warm To Fish For Trout | Ep. 190
When the air temps warm up, we're not the only ones having a hard time of it. Trout don't react well when the water gets too warm, and knowing both HOW and WHY they act differently in warm water, can be an easy way to ensure you're taking care of the fish we love so much. On today's episode on Untangled, you'll learn why it's important to monitor water temps, when you should stop fishing, and othe
Chasing Gold | Fly Fishing Stories #9
Golden trout are among the prettiest, rarest, and most sought-after trout in the West. They live in hard-to-reach places, and the ones that grow to enormous sizes seem like they're harder to find than clear pictures of Bigfoot. But putting in the work and effort to look for these fish - even if you strike out - usually results in memories you'll never forget. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Onli
I've Been Fishing Caddis Wrong My Whole Life | Ep. 189
Caddisflies are one of the most abundant aquatic insects on the PLANET! But they're largely misunderstood by anglers - inclulding myself. In fact, I just had an experience on the water that made me realize I've been fishing these flies completely wrong for 20 years! Don't make the same mistakes I did. Listen to this week's episode and learn all about how caddisflies should be fished, and how this
The Ultimate Wet Wading Gear Setup | Tip of the week #14
Waders are great and all -- but by the time summer rolls around, they get HOT! They're not all that comfortable to wear, either. So, if you wanna ditch the waders, what's the best way to go? We prefer using a fully dedicated wet wading setup. You get all the benefits of the stability of wading boots, without the bulk and added heat of waders. Today on Untangled, we'll dish on all the things we lov
Nymphs, Streamers, or Dry Flies — You Don't Need to Master All Three | Ep. 188
Starting out in fly fishing is overwhelming. You're told you've got to master all sorts of techniques and tactics, and the second you open Instagram, or read any online content, you're bombarded with new things to try! It feels like, if you're not at least dipping your toe in everything, you're quickly falling behind as an angler. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, that mindset is
The World's Biggest Cutthroat Trout | Fly Fishing Stories #8
The largest cutthroat trout ever officially caught was a 41-pounder back in 1925. Rumors persisted of fish in excess of 60 pounds, but like any good fish, those ones got away before they could be weighed... These giant cutthroat were once thought to be lost forever. By the 1940s, they were gone from the landscape, and our chance to fish for giant, prehistoric fish was basically gone. But that's w
The Summer Dry Flies Trout Love — But Most Anglers Overlook | Ep. 187
Summer is the time for throwing big foam bugs and large droppers, right? Well, yes - but there are a couple of dry flies that get chronically overlooked by anglers - myself included. So today on Untangled, you're going to learn what these flies are, why you should add them to your box, and tips for getting the most out of them when you tie one on. You'll also learn about: How to adjust your ri
4 Quick Tips for Fly Fishing Lakes in Summer | Tip of the Week #13
Lake fishing can be intimidating. Where do you cast? What are you looking for that tells you fish will be in one spot versus another? And do you use the same flies you use on rivers and streams? Well, fishing lakes is A LOT simpler than it appears, and this is actually the best time of year to give it a shot. So today on Untangled, you'll learn four quick tips for getting the most out of your time
Fly Fishing Small Streams In The Heat Of Summer | Ep. 186
It's hard to not fall in love with small streams. They're gorgeous, the fish are generally fairly willing to eat, and they're a GREAT place to escape the crowds for a bit. As summer drags on, though, small streams don't always continue to be this fairytale place to fish. The water levels drop, fish get spooky, and you feel like you're back at square one, looking for a solution to this problem. It
Untangled Fly Fishing Report | July 2026
It's hot, windy, dry, and there's a few people out on the water. The biggest hatches of the year are winding down. Mosquitoes have made their unfortunate return. Despite all this, fishing in July can be just as rewarding as a nice hot plate of fresh wings. You just need to be prepared with the knowledge of what bugs are out, and what the fish are doing, so you can take advantage of the fact that t
Stop Counting Fish — Here's a Better Way to Measure a Day | Ep. 185
What makes a day on the water great? Is it really all about how many fish you caught? I mean, I know we're going fishing to catch fish, but is that ALL a day on the water is about? I think a lot of anglers would say no, they appreciate the solitude, the quiet, the beauty, the challenge. But at the end of the day, if you walk back to your truck and you got skunked, you feel like you failed, right?
When & Why To Use Weightless Nymphs | Tip of the Week #12
Nymphs are supposed to be heavy and sink straight to the bottom, where the fish spend most of their time - right? Yes, that's what MOST nymphs are designed to do. But some are tied without any weight at all, and they're great for using when the fish are a bit picky, feeding during a heavy hatch, or you just want to switch up how you're approaching the water. Today on Untangled, you'll learn all a
How To Buy Fly Fishing Waders & Boots | Ep. 184
Finding good wading gear that works for your stlye of fishing, AND that's within your budget, feels almost impossible sometimes. It's tough to know what exactly you need from your waders and boots. Well, Spencer has spent the past decade reviewing gear for fly fishing magazines, and he's been fly fishing for over 20 years. Today on Untangled, he's going to share the particular features he looks f
The Worst Fly Fishing Trip Ever | Fly Fishing Stories #7
You never expect a trip to nosedive, especially when you've planned it for the better part of a year, you're traveling across a few states to get there, and you're going with two of your best friends. As the old saying goes, though, no plan survives first contact with the enemy. In our case, we just didn't understand that we even had an enemy, or how far south things could actually go. This is th
How To Build a Fly Box That Works on Any River | Ep. 183
Do you have a fly box that's full of go-to patterns for your local creek? And maybe another one that's stuffed with all the right flies for the tailwater you visit a few times a year? And let's be honest for a sec — when's the last time you used EVERY fly in those boxes? How many of those patterns are there mostly for emotional support? Or do they just weigh down your pack and make it hard to fin
How To Read River Flows For Better Fly Fishing | Tip of the Week #11
Have you ever heard someone say something like "Oh, the flows on the river are good today, that means the fishing will be great!" And you're a bit too embarrassed to ask why flows matter? Maybe you've even heard the phrase "CFS" thrown around too? Well, high and low water flows have different impacts on how the fishing is. Too high, and it's tough, or impossible, to fish. Too low, and the water's
The Biggest Lie in Fly Fishing — There's No "Right" Way to Fish | Ep. 182
The biggest lie in fly fishing is that there's an exactly-perfect, foolproof, never-fail method to fish every piece of water, and that if you study or learn enough, you'll never get skunked. Here's the truth -- great anglers still get skunked, or at the very least, have TOUGH days on the water. But one skill they've mastered? The ability to sift through the advice that's out there, and learn how
Untangled Fly Fishing Report | June 2026
June usually means high water, big bugs, happy fish, and the first days that are warm enough to think about wet wading. June's also the first month when some of the high country starts opening up, which means your favorite small streams and ponds are just a hike away. The most challenging thing about June fishing, though, is navigating the high water and finding the fish. Once you know what to lo
The Only 10 Flies You'll Ever Really Need | Ep. 181
How many flies do you have in your box right now? A few dozen? A few hundred? More than a thousand? Yeah, it's great to have a lot of flies on hand - but that many choices makes it easy to overthink your fly selection. That can lead to you switching flies too often, when the real reason you're not catching fish has to do with your presentation. So, today on Untangled, you'll learn a bit more about
The Most Valuable Fly Fishing Skill | Tip of the Week #10
What's keeping you from having consistent, repeatable success on the water? From fishing with the same sort of confidence you see guides approach it with, or anglers who've been fishing for decades. Is it really just time and honing a bunch of technical skills, like casting, or fly selection? That stuff helps. But the best anglers I know — the ones I say I wanna be like when I grow up — aren't ne
The Bass Lessons That'll Make You a Better Trout Angler | Ep. 180
Trout aren't the only fish to catch on a fly rod. From bass and pike to panfish and tarpon, there's almost no end to the critters you can catch with this style of fly fishing. Doing something so different from what you're used to, though, will definitely throw you for a loop - just like it did to Alex and Spencer. They just went on a trip to Florida for some bass fishing, and got some time in on t
Every Angler Has A Lake Like This | Fly Fishing Stories #6
You hear stories about some fisheries that are supposed to be excellent. Since you don't want to miss out on great fishing, and you figure that many people who talk up a spot can't be wrong about it, you plan a day to go see it. Then you make the trip there — whether it's a long drive, a hike, or both — and you can't quite figure out what all the fuss was for. Either you get skunked, you don't see
Everything I Wish I Knew My First Year Of Fly Fishing | Ep. 179
What information do you ACTUALLY need to know if you're getting started in fly fishing? What's going to help you improve, and what's just going to add to the noise? Well, there are a lot of opinions on this topic. This week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant shares the 5 things he wishes he knew when he started fly fishing, A LONG time ago. You'll also learn about: Why and when you need to fish real
How To Cast Better In The Wind | Tip of the Week #9
When the wind picks up and you suddenly can't land your flies right where you want them anymore, what do you do? If you're anything like me, you probably make a few classic mistakes that are actively harming your ability to fly cast in the wind. Today on Untangled, you'll learn about the 3 big mistakes to avoid, and the things you should do instead, to battle the wind when it inevitably shows up.
Split Shot Is Killing Your Nymphing Game | Ep. 178
I used to HATE fishing with nymphs. What bugged me the most was dealing with split shot - taking it off, or putting it on my rig. You've gotta get those tiny slits in the shot lined up with your tippet, then crimp it down, and NOT drop it all in the river. It's not fun to cast with, either. The biggest problem is how much split shot actually effects your ability to feel what your flies are doing,
Untangled Fly Fishing Report: May 2026
Get your dry fly rod ready, because May means some of the best hatches you'll see all year! In this month's fly fishing report, you'll leran all about the bugs that will hatch in May, the flies we recommend for imitating them, and a couple of pro tips for making the most of fishing before runoff hits. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Field Guide - CHEC
Caddis Hatch Tactics That Catch More Fish | Ep. 177
The caddis hatch sometimes get overlooked in all our excitement over mayflies and stoneflies, especially early in the season. But caddis hatches stay consistent throughout the summer, and they only become more important for trout as the season stretches on. Plus, the first big caddis hatch of the year can be an absolute blast if you hit it right. This week on Untangled, we'll take a detailed loo
Trout Were CRUSHING Flies Off The Ice | Fly Fishing Stories #5
If you really want to grow as an angler, sometimes that means you'll need to make some hard choices. You'll need to push yourself to try stuff you may not want to, or you'll have to find a way to power through the days on the water that, frankly, make you want to give up. On the other side of those hard times is the great fishing we always hear stories about. And in today's episode of Fly Fishing
The Best Time to Fly Fish Lakes (Nobody Talks About This) | Ep. 176
Ice-off is a magical time: it's when some of the biggest trout in any body of water come within easy casting distance of shore. That means it's one of the best times of year for you to tie into what could be your new personal best trout on a fly rod! So, to take advantage of this great fishing, this week's episode of Untangled is a deep-dive into all things ice-off fly fishing: why it's so product
How To Quit Guessing Where Fish Are | Tip of the Week #8
Alright, let's be honest for a sec — how often do you feel like you're catching fish more out of luck than skill? I remember feeling that way all the time when I started fly fishing. Honestly, that feeling didn't stop until I learned this one valuable lesson: if you pay attention to WHERE you catch fish, and not just what fly they ate, finding and catching fish really starts to click. It feels li
Do Fly Patterns Really Matter? | Ep. 175
How much does the pattern you pick matter for your success on the water? Is there an EXACT PERFECT FLY that'll work amazing in one situation, and if you don't pick it, you won't have as much success as you could've? Probably. But here's the thing - fly selection doesn't really matter that much. HOW you present that fly is what makes the most difference. To put this theory to the test, we spent an
The Best Mayfly Hatch Of All Time | Fly Fishing Stories #4
Have you ever fished in a hatch that feels like the stories we hear, usually from the old-timers, about the days when fish ate from a never-ending buffet of bugs? Where, if you're in the right place at the right time, you can catch fish until your arms fall off? I've had that opportunity once - and this is the story of the greatest mayfly hatch I've ever seen. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Onl
The Pros & Cons of Indicator Nymphing | Ep. 174
There's about a million different ways to rig up a nymph rig. From indicators and drop-shot styles, to tight-lining it, or throwing a dry-dropper, how do you know which method is the best? Well, that depends on your situation, BUT - indicator nymphing is BY FAR the most versatile way to put flies in front of fish, and make them look real. So, today on Untangled, we're looking at the pros and cons
Fly Rod Action Explained (Fast, Medium, Slow) | Tip of the Week #7
Say you're shopping for a new fly rod. You've probably heard them all described in different ways, but one common phrase you've seen is "this rod's action is fast" or "this has a sweet, soft action." What the heck does action mean? And how does it impact the way a rod performs on the water? Well, it's pretty simple! So in this Tip of the Week, we're breaking down what fly rod action is, how it im
Stop Changing Flies — Fix This Instead | Ep. 173
What's the real reason fish aren't eating your fly? Is it beause you didn't pick the PERFECT fly? There's a better one in your box, so you oughta spend 10-15 minutes looking for it, right? No. Not very often will that be the case. Instead, you're most likely not catching fish becasue your fly doesn't look real. Remember, your job is to put flies in front of fish, and make them look real! So today
Untangled Fly Fishing Report: April 2026
The best blue-winged olive hatches of the year are right around the corner! And by the end of the month, you might see some Mother's Day caddis out and about as well! What this means is that you need to be prepared for the great spring fly fishing that April offers. With Untangled's April Fly Fishing Report, you'll be ready with all the knowledge about the hatches to expect, fly patterns we recom
Trout Aren't Eating What You Think | Ep. 172
In this special episode of Untangled, Spencer and Alex are joined by Ryan Kelly, longtime guide on Utah's Green River, and one of the best fly fishing photographers currently working. You might know Ryan from Instagram (@GreenRiverFlyFisher) and you've probably seen his shots of fish rising to eat dry flies. Today, Ryan shares all that he's learned from a decade of watching fish eat through a came
When & Why To Size Down Tippet | Tip of the Week #6
When do you ACTUALLY need tippet smaller than 4x? And if you need to size your tippet down, what's the best way to do it? In this Tip of the Week, you'll learn all about why we use certain sizes of tippet, why it's important to play fish quickly, AND you'll learn all about the different situations and tactics for sizing down your leader to get picky fish to FINALLY eat your fly. LINKS FROM THE SH
Fly Fishing With Small Dry Flies (Part 2) | Ep. 171
There's more to small dry flies than just the bugs ON the surface. There are also other types of insects fish eat that sit just in the surface film, or even slightly below it. These bugs are called emergers, and they're still fished just like you would with a dry fly. But there's a few things to know about how, when, and where to use these flies that'll help you really get the most out of them. So
When It All Goes Wrong | Fly Fishing Stories #3
When a trip goes pear-shaped right from the start, what do you do? Do you pack up early, head home, and get back to work? Or is it worth pushing through high water, iced-over lakes, muddy roads, and enormous distances just for the hope of finding water that might be fishable? In this latest Fly Fishing Story, Spencer Durrant takes you on a journey across the Pacific Northwest as he and his friend
Fly Fishing With Small Dry Flies (Part 1) | Ep. 170
It sure would be awesome if fish always ate a big ol' grasshopper! But they spend A TON of time eating small flies. In particular, they'll eat tiny dry flies a lot during spring and fall. So, how do you take advantage of the big fish that you see rising to eat what looks like tiny specks out there on the water? Well, a lot of anglers mistakenly write off using tiny flies, because they seem like t
The Ultimate Cheat Code For Dry Fly Fishing | Tip of the Week #5
Have you ever been in an amazing hatch, with bugs going off EVERYWHERE and fish eating with reckless abandon, only to leave the river empty-handed? The fish didn't just not eat your flies, they flat-out IGNORED you. What's up with that? Aren't these hatches supposed to be the stuff of legend that fly fishing is all about? Well, yes, they are. But if the hatch is TOO good (too many flies on the wa
Don't Know What Fly To Use? Start Here | Ep. 169
Picking the right fly is one of those things in fly fishing that's made out to be A LOT harder than it actually is. You don't need a degree in entomology, you don't need to have every aquatic insect memorized, and you certainly don't need to be some sort of expert to pick the best fly for a given fishing situation. Instead, you just need to rely on two simple tips that'll help you move forward in
Untangled Fly Fishing Report: March 2026
What bugs are hatching this month? What flies should you have in your box? And what can you expect from the weather? You'll get the complete rundown of what to expect from March fly fishing in this monthly fly fishing report from Untangled. With detailed descriptions of upcoming hatches, fly patterns you should tie or buy, and a few pro tips on ways to catch more fish this month, this is a can't-m
How To Prepare For Spring Fly Fishing | Ep. 168
Winter is almost over (if it ever started where you live) which means that spring dry fly fishing is right around the corner! Some of the best fishing you'll have all year long ain't that far off. That means RIGHT NOW is a great time to prep for these hatches, which is the goal of today's episode. You're going to learn all about the timing of spring hatches (including Hendricksons, Quill Gordons,
How I Organize My Fly Boxes | Tip of the Week #4
Is there a right and wrong way to organize your fly boxes? If you put your flies in a specific order, will it give you a tactical advantage on the water? Not really. BUT - it can help you find the right fly you need, when you need it. The trick is to not overthink your fly box organization, and to keep it simple. In this episode of Untangled, you'll learn how Spencer organizes his boxes, along wit
The Winter Rig Most Anglers Overlook | Ep. 167
We spend A TON of time talking about the right flies to use during winter, and for good reason. Flies matter a lot. But you know what makes an even bigger difference? HOW you present that fly! Presentation matters almost more than fly selection sometimes! So, today on Untangled, we're going to tell you about a recent trip we took, the rigs we used, and HOW those rigs made a difference for us on t
Where It All Began | Fly Fishing Stories #2
How much of an influence has your home water had on your life as an angler? Has it shaped how you approach the water? The kind of fly fishing you love the most? What else has it taught you that you still remember, all these years later? In the second episode of the Fly Fishing Stories series here at Untangled, Spencer Durrant weaves multiple stories of growing up on his home river, and how it shap
How To Nymph Faster Water Without Losing Flies | Ep. 166
How often do you set up your nymph rig, ready to hit the water, only to realize that your flies are moving WAY faster than you wanted. You didn't think the water would be that fast, or that deep! The fix is simple, right? Just put on some split shot, increase the distance between your bobber and your flies, and you'll be in business. Well, that all depends on how much split shot you use, how fas
Depth Matters More Than Fly Choice | Tip of the Week #3
How much time do you spend worrying about your fly choice when you're setting up your nymph rig? If you're like most anglers, it's probably A LOT! But how much time and energy do you put into making sure your flies are drifitng at the right depth, before making a fly change? Probably not as much as you should. Today on Untangled, you'll learn about why depth matters more than fly choice when thro
What You're Really Paying For In A Fly Rod | Ep. 165
Fly rods are really important -- they're what we use to put flies in front of fish, and they help us make those flies look real, after all. But how much do you REALLY know about fly rods? Can you explain what the core features are that separate good ones from not-so-great ones? Today on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through the key features he's found most anglers either don't know about, o
Untangled Fly Fishing Report: February 2026
It's February! That means things are changing a bit on the fly fishing front, and we've got you covered. With this month's Untangled Fly Fishing Report, you'll learn about what bugs are most active in February, the best flies to match those hatches, and some tips and tricks for the different conditions you'll run into this time of year. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT
Wading Vs Drift Boat: Which Actually Catches More Fish? | Ep. 164
Have you ever wondered just how effective fly fishing from a drift boat is? Are float trips worth the money? Do you ACTUALLY catch more fish from a boat, or do you only catch them in front of wading anglers who rarely, if ever, get to float the river? All those questions - and more - will be answered on this episode of Untangled. Alex Stulce joins Spencer Durrant to talk about the pros and cons o
You Don't Need Perfect Flies | Tip of the Week #2
Do you need to tie picture-perfect flies in order to catch fish? Or should you focus on tying them to be a bit "buggy" (which is fly-fisher for "messy)? Today on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through why most fly tiers are too hard on themselves - especially beginners - and the few things fish actually care about when deciding to eat your fly. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Commu
How Fly Tying Makes You A Better Angler | Ep. 163
Is fly tying worth the cost and the hassle? Sure, you can tie up specific, custom flies, but wouldn't it just be cheaper to buy flies instead? Well, maybe, but we shouldn't really worry about economics here, because if fly fishing were based on good financial decisions, none of us would be doing it. Instead, you shoudl think about the on-the-water benefits you'll get from tying your own flies. Yo
The Secret Creek That Vanished | Fly Fishing Stories #1
There's one thing that brings anglers of every stripe together - a good fish story. This is the first in a new series of podcasts from Untangled that'll tell stories every angler, from the saltwater fanatic to the panfish lover, will relate with and appreciate. This week's story is about a little cutthroat creek, tucked high in the mountains, that suddenly vanished. Along the way, you'll learn ab
The 7 Midge Patterns You Need This Winter | Ep. 162
Midges are a go-to fly in the winter, but how do you know which of the 8 billion midge patterns to pick? There's so many to choose from, and it feels like they're always dropping new ones, too! Well, I took the time to simplify my own midge selection down to just a handful of patterns. Doing that helped me fish what I rig up with more confidently, but it also made choosing a fly A LOT eaiser. I s
Start A Fly Fishing Journal TODAY! | Tip of the Week #1
If you want to make 2026 the year you take some giant leaps in your fly fishing abilities, then you should seriously consider keeping a fly fishing journal. Writing down what happens on the water, what flies you used, the weather, the water conditions -- it will all help you understand the interplay between various factors on the water, and it'll help you learn from both your successes and your fa
Exotic Trout Species And The Flies That Catch Them | Ep. 161
There's more to trout fishing than rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and brookies. There's all sorts of interesting trout out there, just waiting for you! But when you get the chance to fish for these lesser-known trout, you'll probably get hung up on one thing: what flies do you need? Are there top-secret patterns that only work for these fish, but locals won't tell you about unless you buy 'em the r
Untangled Fly Fishing Report: January 2026
This is the first-ever bonus episode of Untangled! Starting in 2026, we're dropping two episodes of your favorite fly fishing podcast every week! And this first episode is a new format we'd love some feedback on. At the start of each month, we're going to do a monthly fly fishing report. You'll learn what bugs are active, how to fish that month, tips and tricks for dealing with water conditions, a
The Fish That Taught Us the Most in 2025 | Ep. 160
Every angler loves a good fishing story, even if we tend to stretch the truth sometimes. But those stories are good for more than just reliving old times. You can learn A TON from your best catches, including exactly where and how you can improve. So, this week on Untangled, Spencer shares some stories (from VFC team and Skool members) about the best fish of 2025, and the lessons learned along the
Fly Fishing Exposes Your Ego (And That's a Good Thing) | Ep. 159
Have you ever had one of those days on the water where nothing seems to go right? You can't tie a decent knot, you lose all your flies, and you end up not catching fish? When it gets rough like that, what do you blame? Nature? Yourself? Your answer to that quesiton likely exposes the kind of angler you are, and can help you learn how to become an even better one. This week on Untangled, Spencer s
The #1 Reason Trout Don't Eat Your Fly | Ep. 158
There are a whole lot of reasons a fish won't eat your fly. Maybe you picked the wrong one, or you wore the wrong socks today. Or you forgot your semi-annual offering of used zebra midges for the river gods. In all seriousness, there's often a much simpler reason fish aren't eating your fly: you've spooked them. This week on Untangled, you'll learn about how you end up spooking fish, even if you
7 Sneaky Good Winter Flies You Should Be Fishing | Ep. 157
There's no NEED to stock your fly box full of hundreds of patterns, all in dozens of different sizes. Sometimes, though, a slightly different fly from what everyone else is using is just the trick to put more -- or larger -- fish in the net. This week on Untangled, you'll learn about 7 underrated fly patterns that we turn to when we need to change things up. You'll also learn about: How to handl
The Biggest Nymphing Breakthroughs Nobody Talks About | Ep. 156
80% of a fish's diet is underwater, which means nymphing is a crazy effective way to put fish in the net. So, this week on Untangled, Spencer and Alex share everything they learned while filming their Nymphing Master Class. From insight on why fly pattern doesn't matter, to tips on picking the right strike indicator, you'll leave this episode ready to put all these tips into practice out on the wa
Fly Fishing Gear That's A WASTE Of Money | Ep. 155
What gear do you ACTUALLY need for fly fishing? And what stuff is just a waste of money? Sure, that fancy reel looks nice, and you'd probably look just like Indiana Jones in that hat. But will that stuff help you put more fish in the net? Or will it just drain your wallet? This week on Untangled, you'll learn about the gear that Spencer thinks isn't worth the cash, AND you'll get a detailed list
Stop Changing Flies. Fix THIS Instead. | Ep. 154
Fish, especially trout, really don't care about your fly pattern. Alright, A FEW fish do. The pickiest ones, and every single trout in the Henry's Fork. But most fish care WAY more about how the fly is presented, than whether you picked the exact perfect fly. This week on Untangled, you'll learn why presentation matters FAR MORE than pattern, and a few tips for perfecting how the fish see your fl
Fly Fishing With Streamers: The Beginner's Guide | Ep. 153
The world of fly fishing with streamers is full of weird terminology, interesting tactics, and new techniques. That makes picking it up, especially as a beginner fly angler, a bit challenging. Here's the truth, though -- streamer fishing is A LOT simpler than it appears. If you can catch fish on dry flies and nymphs, you've already got most of the skills you need! This week on Untangled, you'll g
What to Do When the Fishing Sucks | Ep. 152
You've picked a great fly, found some wonderful water, and made tons of good drifts through fishy-looking water. Everything is coming together -- except for the whole catching fish thing. So, what do you do on days like this, when NOTHING you do makes the fish notice your flies? When the fishing sucks, what's the play? Well, this week on Untangled, you'll learn how Spencer and Alex approach these
The Truth About Fly Fishing Guides (From a Former Guide) | Ep. 151
Dropping the money on a guided fly fishing trip is a serious commitment - but with the right planning, you can get the most out of your time (and money) spent on the water! Getting the msot out of a guided fishing trip really comes down to communication -- both with the guide, and yourself. This week on Untangled, Spencer (a former guide and outfitter) walks you through how to have an incredible e
From Small Streams to Big Rivers: 5 Fly Fishing Tips That Work | Ep. 150
If you've spent most of your time fishing on small streams, making the jump to fishing bigger rivers can be intimidating. Where do you cast? Where are the fish holding? And do they still eat the same flies they do in small streams? This week on Untangled, we'll answer all those questions, and more, as you learn the 5 key tips for fishing big rivers. You'll also learn about: Why you can't use a
Stop Guessing! How to Know What Fly to Use | Ep. 149
After a long day of fishing, when the trout refused EVERY fly you threw at them, how often have you gone home and looked up some information about the best flies to use during a certain time of year? And when you've done that, have you ever thought, "Well, this is all interesting, but how much does it apply to MY local river?" Well, the short answer is, probably a lot. The longer answer is that as
How to Become a Great Fly Angler (Without Overthinking It) | Ep. 148
How do you become a "great" fly angler? And what makes an angler "great" anyways? In this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer and Alex chat about the one trait all the best anglers they know have in common, and how you can set realistic goals to help you achieve your own level of greatness in fly fishing. You'll also learn about: How to cast flies in the wind Whether the color of clothes you w
Should You Keep Your Fly Fishing Spots A Secret? | Ep. 147
Us fly anglers share A TON of things: new fly patterns, casting techniques, wing sauce recipes. But we're pretty guarded when it comes to our favorite fishing holes. And why is that? Why is there so much secrecy around where we go fishing? Well, it's not just because we're keeping all the fish for ourselves. There's actually quite a few good reasons to keep fishing spots a secret, the most importa
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